Bree Riesling 2008

Bree Riesling 2008
Origin: Pfalz, Germany
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Nearly colorless with aromas of citrus and green apple, this wine is an interesting combination of sweet and dry on the palate with a flavor profile similar to that of freshly squeezed lemonade. The finish is a bit astringent, but in a pleasing way.

Our rating: This wine comes in a very attractive, modern-styled bottle, and is ideal for summer sipping. You can also consider pairing this wine with spicy cuisines, especially Asian dishes. Don't overchill, as its complexity is better appreciated when just slightly chilled. Smooth and delicious, we rate it well Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc 2008

Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc 2008
Origin: Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.8%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light silver with green highlights, this wine has gentle aromas of tropical fruit and spice, with just a hint of some sweet vegetal notes. Initially tart on the palate, a good balance between the fruit flavors and a mild acidity quickly develops. The finish is quite short but is where the "fume" character comes in.

Our rating: This is an interesting wine though one without much depth, somewhat surprising for a fume blanc. Look to pair it with richly flavored poultry or vegetarian dishes. Quite a range on the scorecard, but overall we rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Classic Sauvignon Blanc nose of citrus and grapefruit with light herbal notes. Generous lime and tangerine flavors nicely accented by a touch of cream. Dry, crisp, cleansing and refreshing. This a great summer sipper and makes the palate absolutely crave for shellfish and seafood."

Winery website: Barnard Griffin.

Maipe Torrontes 2008

Maipe Torrontes 2008
Origin: Salta, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light golden yellow with aromas of citrus, spice, and honey. The fruit flavor profile on the palate has some tropical fruit character accompanied by a somewhat aggressive acidity. The finish is slightly chalky, relatively brief but otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: An interesting wine, but paradoxically not a memorable one. We served our bottle with grilled chicken tenderloins, and believe it could pair nicely with most mildly seasoned poultry or even pork dishes. Our rating: on the high side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV

Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo (40%), Macabeo (30%), Parellada (20%), Chardonnay (10%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light gold and gently sparkling with aromas of green apple and slight herbal notes. Quite dry -- almost too dry -- there is considerable mineral character to the flavor profile on the palate. The finish is a bit astringent with some off-notes that make it slightly unpleasant.

Our rating: We weren't impressed with this cava, which, together with prosecco, we tend to enjoy as aperitifs. We served our bottle with a chilled soup and salad course, an adequate choice. It's really not remarkable in any way, and we rate it Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale yellow, giving off light bubblers and crown making. Bouquet: Yeast touches in a fruity background of ripe apple, banana and pineapple. Taste: Good mouth tasting, with a light touch of sweetness, harmonious, fresh, elegant, tempting and with character."

Winery website: None found.

Andeluna Torrontes 2008

Andeluna Torrontes 2008
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light green in color with expressive herbal and citrus aromas, this wine introduces a crisp acidity on the palate. There is little fruit flavor present, however, and the finish is quite spicy, even a bit hot.

Our rating: There are a number of interesting facets to this wine, but our overall impression is not altogether positive. We served our bottle with grilled fish filets, a good choice, but it might pair better with oysters or other shellfish. On balance, we rate it about Average on the scorecard, but we suspect this is a wine that people will either love or hate.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Has a very good body and a medium structure with marked freshness and acidity. Delightful aromas of white flowers, jasmine, peach, apricot and grapefruit combine with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus and spices to produce a refreshingly exquisite wine with a long finish."

Winery website: Andeluna Cellars.

Colosi Sicilia Bianco 2007

Colosi Sicilia Bianco 2007
Origin: Giammoro, Sicily, Italy
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Deep gold in color with aromas of honey, spice, and caramel, and some interesting floral notes, this wine is very smooth and moderately full-bodied on the palate. There is a richness to the flavor that extends into the finish, which adds some smokiness but is rather brief.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine, which we greatly enjoyed. We served our bottle with roasted chicken and vegetables, a fine choice. We have absolutely no idea what blend of grapes were used to create it, but we'll definitely keep this label in mind for future purchases. Our rating: Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008

Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Blend: Trebbiano (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Pale yellowish straw, this wine has bountiful aromas of tropical fruit (in particular, pineapple) with contrasting spice notes. The fruit flavors are refreshing on the palate, clean and crisp, with just a hint of minerals. The finish lacks depth and is rather brief, but not unpleasant.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, with which it paired very nicely. It should also pair well with most pasta dishes and a wide variety of appetizers or cheeses. Attractively priced, it's a good introduction to this varietal, which should be consumed while young (within a year or two of bottling). We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Straw-like yellow with greenish glints. Bouquet: Fairly intense -- fine fragrance. Flavour: Hints of apple, apricot and iris."

Winery website: Masciarelli.