Lakeridge Chablis NV

Wine: Lakeridge Chablis NV
Origin: Florida
Blend: 100% Muscadine
Alcohol content: 11.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A semi-dry, white table wine with mellow round fruitiness and delicate subtleties. A blend of white Muscadine, usually Welder and Carlos."

ABC Wines review: This pale yellow wine made from traditional Floridian grapes has an herbal honey aroma with some tropical fruit notes. The palate is semi-dry and rather smooth, similar in flavor and style to a Washington State riesling. The finish is slightly sweet but otherwise unremarkable. Try this wine with chicken or vegetable satays and a peanut sauce. Our score: We didn't know what to expect having never experienced wine from Florida and were pleasantly surprised. Above Average.

Winery website: Lakeridge Winery. The image of the bottle is different than that reviewed here.

Chateau Montet Bordeaux Sauvignon 2007

Wine: Chateau Montet Bordeaux Sauvignon 2007
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc (?)
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: A pale greenish-yellow in color, this white wine (presumably made entirely from sauvignon blanc grapes but possibly a blend of several grapes from the Bordeaux region) has a fresh citrusy and grassy aroma that is typical of this varietal. The palate brings out these flavors together with a crisp mineral note that adds balance to the light to medium body. The finish is properly acidic and has an interesting depth and complexity. A nice wine to serve at an elegant dinner party. Our score: Priced under $10, this is an Excellent wine.

Winery website: None found. An image of the bottle or label could not be found.

Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner 2006

Wine: Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner "Ried Sandgrube" 2006
Origin: Donau, Austria
Blend: 100% Gruner Veltliner
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Fresh and fruity, this wine has a fragrance of tree fruit (pear, peach) with floral notes. The flavor profile is similar on the palate, with a medium body but not much depth or complexity. The finish has a mild acidity that allows this wine to pair well with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: Priced on the high side, this wine is just Average, maybe a bit better.

Winery website: Winzer Krems

Renwood Viognier 2006

Wine: Renwood Viognier 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 90% Viognier, 6% Semillon, 3% Pinot Grigio, 1% Muscat
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Displays aromas of grapefruit, mineral scents and jasmine. On the palate the wine is crisp, with a medium texture and flavors of melon, lemon zest, and apricots. A steely finish makes this wine very food friendly and the lingering tartness helps balance the wine."

ABC Wines review: Gold in color with significant green highlights, this wine is powerfully fragrant with aromas of citrus and mineral. Smooth, almost creamy on the palate, strong citrus and herbal flavors dominate. The long finish is brisk with a nice acidity though doesn't have much depth or character. This wine would pair well (as we did) with pasta and a rich, garlic and onion tomato sauce. Our score: Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Renwood Winery

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Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: 80% Garganega, 20% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Pale gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus, notably grapefruit, with some herbal, almost spicy, notes. The palate has a light body with a clean, crisp feel though there is little fruit flavor. A moderate acidity develops into the finish. Not a complex wine, but one that could be paired with a wide variety of cuisines or to take on a picnic. Our score: A good, fresh summer wine. On the high side of Average.

Winery website: None found. No image of the bottle or label could be found.

Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Wine: Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Curico Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A fresh, floral wine with fruity body and a silky palate of great elegance. It shows intriguing notes of exotic fruit (passion fruit, grapefruit)."

ABC Wines review: Fresh grass and citrus aromas with citrus blossom notes are exhibited by this wine but there's also butterscotch-like scent that doesn't marry well with the others. The palate has moderate body, is very fruity and balanced by a brisk acidity. The finish develops slowly but has good complexity. Not among the best of this Chilean varietal or maybe just not aging very well. Our score: Try to locate a more recent vintage. On the low side of Average.

Winery website: Miguel Torres Wines.