Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV

Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV
Origin: delle Veneto, Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $10.99

Our review: A pale yellow / straw in color and quite effervescent, this wine is very lightly scented with aromas of tree fruit (apples and pears). Exceptionally light on the palate, the fruit flavors, notably apple, come together with a bit of minerality and a touch of toasted nuts. It has an unexpected complexity that is quite enjoyable. There is, however, no finish to speak of.

Our rating: Proseccos are generally delightful wines and this one is no exception. Enjoy as an aperitif or with a fresh green salad or, as we did, with Asian-inspired appetizers. We rate it well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This wine has an intense fruity bouquet with a hint of golden apple. Brut, fresh and light in body, well-balanced and easy to drink."

Winery website: Mionetto USA.

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Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $10.99

Our review: Quite pale with tints of green and gold, this wine has fresh grass and citrus aromas with just a hint of tropical fruit (pineapple). Light-bodied and exceptionally crisp on the palate, the citrus flavors are accompanied by a minerality that adds interest but doesn't overpower. The finish is somewhat disappointing, lacking flavor and depth.

Our rating: We served this wine with citrus-marinated grilled chicken, an appropriate choice. But overall, we consider it just Average and not a particularly good value for the price paid. We previously rated the Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006 above average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light green in color. The nose shows tropical and citrus fruits along with herbaceous varietal characters. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough acidity giving structure and length. A fresh and fruit driven Sauvignon Blanc perfect for drinking now."

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Matua Valley.

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (95%, Semillon 5%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $13.99

Our review: Pale yellow with hints of gold in color, this wine has a citrus blend aroma with prominent floral (orange blossom) notes. Of moderate body and very smooth on the palate, the ever so slightly sweet fruit flavors are nicely balanced with a mild acidity. A touch of mineral character is introduced into the finish which is lengthy and expressive.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine. We served ours with grilled chicken and stir-fried vegetables and found it most satisfying. It should, however, pair well with most poultry or fish dishes. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Bright, light straw with a slight green cast. Aroma: Liime zest, honey dew melon, fresh grass and green fig lifted by a hint of minerality. Flavor: Citrusy blend of lemon, lime, mandarin and grapefruit, sweetened with green apple and fig layered with minerals and a crisp, clean finish."

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Simi Winery. The bottle image is slightly different from the wine reviewed here.

35 South Sauvignon Blanc 2007

35° South Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow with a tinge of green, this wine has fresh aromas of grass, lemongrass, and gooseberry with slight kiwi-like tropical fruit notes. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are somewhat muted and decidedly watery. A mineral dryness develops into the finish that is accompanied by an unbalanced acidity. Allowing this wine to remain opened for 10 minutes or so improved (a little) its overall complexity.

Our rating: An undistinguished effort at best. We have generally been impressed with Chilean sauvignon blancs but this one disappointed us. It isn't a bad wine, but it isn't memorable either. We rate it on the low, very low, side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: A balanced wine, clean and shiny straw color. Nose: Tropical fruits as pineapple and banana. Palate: On the palate notes of citrus, grapefruit and pineapple, ripe and fresh. Medium volume and nice acidity balance."

Winery website: 35 Sur, Vina San Pedro.

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Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Monterey and Russian River Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.9%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Straw in color, fresh tree fruit (apple and pear) aromas are presented with subtle notes of lemongrass and orange blossom. Soft on the palate, the fruit flavors are quite smooth with a more pronounced citrus character. An acidity develops into the finish which, though rather brief, is nicely balanced.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine on a warm spring day with chicken salad on a bed of spinach but it is versatile enough to be paired with a wide variety of dishes. We rate it well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Freshly cut grass and spring herbs tease the nose, while touches of tropical gooseberry and citrus embrace the palate. Absolutely refreshing, this wine has a lovely, full mouthfeel to balance its crisp acidity, not to mention a lasting and memorable finish."

Winery website: Bogle Vineyards.