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Wine: Reviews, Thoughts & Culture

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Sauvignon Blanc

Franciscan Estate - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc / 2009 Chardonnay

In the early 90’s when I first started visiting Napa Valley a handful of producers were of specific interest to me. I’d visit them time and again because they had one or more wines that I enjoyed regularly and I was also always eager to taste smaller production things that I couldn’t get on my shelf back home. Franciscan Estate was one of those producers. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay were the three wines I drank with the most regularity, but I really enjoyed the majority of their portfolio quite a bit. As happens from time to time they slipped off my radar a bit of late. The number of wines out there are practically dizzying in number, making it difficult to always go back and revisit. So when current releases of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from Franciscan landed on my desk recently it felt like it does when an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile calls or rings your doorbell, or these days, pokes you on Facebook. Regardless of how they reach out, the reaction is usually the same you want to know how they’re doing. And that was exactly what I was wondering about Franciscan Estate. So today I’ll take a look at their latest vintage of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The Franciscan Estate 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using fruit sourced exclusively in Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was fermented in a combination of stainless steel (90%) and neutral oak (10%). Just fewer than 4,000 cases of this wine were bottled and it has a suggested retail price of $17.

A host of herbaceous aromas are joined by citrus and vanilla bean in the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. Meyer lemon and grapefruit characteristics lead the palate. Along the way tropical fruit flavors such as papaya and guava are in evidence as well along with bits of gooseberry. White pepper spice, minerals and continued citrus flavors are all part of a lingering finish which is clean, crisp and refreshing.

This Sauvignon Blanc would be an excellent choice to pair with entrée salads, light appetizers and soft cheeses to name a handful of examples. It‘s tasty on its own as well, but really excels to a higher level with food. This is a very appealing wine that will both appease a large crowd of general wine drinkers and also satisfy the Sauvignon Blanc lovers amongst them.

The Franciscan Estate 2009 Chardonnay was produced using fruit sourced in Carneros and southern Napa Valley. This wine is 100% Chardonnay. Fermentation took place in barrel followed by 7 months of aging in small French and American oak barrels; 20% of them were new. Just fewer than 59,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Orchard fruit aromas fill the nose of this Chardonnay. Vanilla bean and hints of toast are present as well to a smaller degree. Both pear and apple flavors are in evidence throughout the palate along with a bit of orange zest. Baker’s spices provide some tongue tingling complexity. Hints of creaminess emerge on the finish and the orchard fruit flavors continue along with a bit of pie crust and a touch of citrus.

This Chardonnay is an impeccably balanced wine. The influence of oak adds the perfect counterpoint to all the terrific fruit flavors. Everything is kept in balance by vital, racy acidity. This wine like the Sauvignon Blanc is delicious on its own but will flourish when paired with food.

Checking in with these new releases from Franciscan Estate it’s good to see that they’re still producing wines that show off their fruit beautifully. Each of these wines is widely available through the US and if you shop around you’ll find them for a bit less than suggested retail. These are both tasty wines and solid values.

Reconsiderng a Napa Valley Legend; Robert Mondavi Winery

As we’ve grown precipitously as a wine drinking nation over the last couple of decades our choices have also increased. The number of outlets selling wine is way up and the options we have once we go there are in sharp contrast to what was available a number of years ago. The temptation in our culture is also to chase the new hot thing. Sometimes that leaves little room to reconsider or reconnect with something we already love. In this case that something is the Robert Mondavi Winery. There was no greater ambassador for both California wines and the importance of wine on our tables in this country than Robert Mondavi. Napa Valley and perhaps the entire US wine industry would look radically different today if not for the chances he took and the advances, in quality and more, that he championed. In the sea of wine that’s out there it’s easy to forget that. Recently I had the opportunity to taste through some current and older releases with winemaker Genevieve Janssens.

Tasting both new offerings and an older Cabernet Sauvignon really showed off the quality of winemaking that is still going on at this venerable Napa Valley house. A particular standout was the 2007 I Block Fume Blanc. This wine is made in tiny quantities (207 cases) and sourced from a specific block of the To Kalon vineyard. It was one of the more impressive Sauvignon Blancs I’ve tasted in quite awhile. At three plus years old it’s fresh and vibrant and still has plenty of life ahead of it. It’s only available through the winery (SRP $75) and well worth the extra effort to get it.

The event took place at Hearth Restaurant in New York and this allowed us to taste these wines as they are meant to be consumed; side by side with food. I sampled the 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay with a rotating cast of different appetizers. This wine was produced with fruit sourced in Carneros (58%), East Napa foothills (29%), Sonoma County (10%), other Napa vineyards (3%). 69% of the juice was fermented in barrel; 13% of them were new. The balance was fermented in stainless steel. This Chardonnay which is widely available has a suggested retail price of $20. Orchard fruit aromas fill the nose of this wine along with a hint of spice. Golden delicious apple, pear, pineapple and guava all make their presence know through the palate. Minerals, apple pie crust and baker’s spice are each part of the finish which has impressive length for a Chardonnay in this price category. The use of oak here was judicious and it adds to the complexity, as opposed to some Chardonnays where it becomes a distraction. The bottom line is that this wine pairs well with a wide array of different foods and also drinks beautifully on its own. It’s one of the work horses in the Mondavi portfolio and it’s well worth trying if you haven’t had it in awhile.

Two vintages of the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were impressive for different reasons. The 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is an excellent example of the age worthiness of good Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Most (79%) of the fruit for it came from Oakville; much of it from To Kalon. When Robert Mondavi spoke of comparing Napa wines to his French counterparts it was wines like the reserve Cabernet that I bet he had in mind. This wine still has plenty of fruit on it, but it’s also become earthier and softer. It’s a pleasure to drink both with food and without.

The Robert Mondavi Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was made entirely with fruit from Oakville and 93% of it from To Kalon. This wine is bigger, bolder and a bit brasher today. It has firm tannins that need some time in the bottle or some aeration to soften a bit. The elements which make the 1996 so drinkable today are also there in the 2007. It’s simply loaded with fruit and spice flavors that are accented by the time spent in barrel. Just less than 10,000 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $135. Ultimately, the 2007 has the hallmarks of a wine that promises to be an even more impressive effort than the 1996. The question after purchasing it is if you have patience. It’s very enjoyable now, particularly with full flavored foods. However if you give it 5 or 10 years of proper storage you’ll be rewarded with a slightly mellower, more resolved wine that will just knock your socks off. You really can’t go wrong either way, it depends which experience you prefer.

Tasting these wines and several others with food, over a leisurely evening made a couple of facts crystal clear. Most importantly if you haven’t had wines from the flagship Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley for a while, it’s high time to revisit them. Their releases still showcase some of the best that Napa Valley has to offer. This was apparent both in widely available wines like the Chardonnay and Cabernet as well as small production items like the I Block Fume Blanc. The other point is that as much attention as the To Kalon Vineyard gets, it should probably get more. The wines that were sourced there show off a tremendous sense of place and are simply impressive efforts. Genevieve Janssens who has been making the wines at Robert Mondavi Winery since 1997 (she worked at Opus One previously) is doing an impressive job shepherding the philosophy of Mr. Mondavi into the future. The best way to thank her for that effort is to taste these wines.

Luigi Bosca - 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

Lately the white varietal out of Argentina that’s been getting a lot of attention is Torrontes. Rightly so in some ways as this is something Argentina offers that no one else really does. Sauvignon Blanc on the other hand is available from many of the world’s great wine making countries. That said there are some excellent and unique expressions of this classic grape coming out of Argentina and they deserve their due. Today I’ll look at one from Bodega Luigi Bosca, a producer I’ve found to be very reliable over the last few years. The Luigi Bosca 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc was produced from fruit sourced at the El Paraiso Vineyard in the Maipu section of Mendoza. This vineyard sits at 780 meters above sea level. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. After fermentation this wine spent 3 months aging in oak. This Sauvignon Blanc has a suggested retail price of $20.99.

The nose of this Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of fleur de orange. Hints of grass are present as well. Gooseberry, Meyer lemon, pineapple and herb flourishes are all part of a full flavored and mellifluous palate. The finish is clean, crisp and like the entire wine refreshing. Touches of mineral and hazelnut are present along with white pepper which provides a final lingering note.

This is a really nice Sauvignon Blanc. It’s one of the better examples out of Argentina and really outshines its price point by leaps and bounds. The Luigi Bosca name is one you can count on for elegant, well made, fairly priced wines. If you haven’t sampled their releases yet this Sauvignon Blanc is as good a place as any to start.

V. Sattui - 2008 Vittorio's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Regardless of the grape variety in question there are always an assortment of styles and differentiations to be had. This is based on where it’s grown, how it’s grown, the manner in which it’s handled, winemaking technique and of course the year to year vagaries of weather. All that on the table, I believe Sauvignon Blanc stands as one of the varieties with the greatest number of styles and expressions. Today I’ll look at one from V. Sattui Winery in Napa. The V. Sattui 2008 Vittorio’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc was produced using estate fruit. Vittorio’s Vineyard sits right next to the winery itself. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc (99.8%), this wine also contains a splash of Semillon (0.2%). The majority (82%) of the wine was fermented in stainless steel with the balance (18%) in neutral French oak. 773 cases of this release were produced and it sells for $22.

This pale straw color of this Sauvignon Blanc stands out immediately upon pouring. Fresh vibrant aromas of citrus and tropical fruit are part of a lively, zingy nose. The full, round palate shows off mango and papaya as well as citrus and stone fruits such as peach, apricot, nectarine and lemon. Orange ice emerges on the finish as well as wisps of white lemon pepper.

This Sauvignon Blanc from V. Sattui is food friendly and incredibly appealing. It’s easy to like style makes it a sure winner for large groups with varying palates. It also features enough depth and complexity to keep more experienced wine lovers engaged. This wine has a definite “wow” factor that will light people up when they taste it. This is a truly excellent value.

Rodney Strong Vineyards- 2009 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc

The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2009 Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc was produced from fruit sourced mostly at an Estate vineyard of the same name. The rest of the fruit was sourced from other estate vines. This offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 90% of the wine was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks without malolactic. The remaining 10% was fermented in French oak barrels with malolactic. This wine which is widely available nationwide has a suggested retail price of $13.50.

Aromas of lemon, white pepper and limestone fill the fresh, provocative nose of this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Throughout the palate there are copious citrus notes present along with elements of pear and lots of spice. Grapefruit, lemon ice with a creamy tinge, minerals, and white pepper are all part of the finish which is clean, crisp and refreshing; beckoning you back to the glass for sip after sip.

I like this wine for quite a few reasons; it’s zesty zippy and incredibly appealing. It also offers a ton of character and excellent Sauvignon Blanc flavor at a modest price point. While I find that many Sauvignon Blanc’s really need food to perform well, Charlotte’s Home from Rodney Strong does as well on its own as partnered with the right cuisine. This wine excels ice-cold and that’s how I choose to serve it. The bottom line for me is that I reach for this wine time after time and vintage after vintage, it’s become a standard-bearer for me. Its wide availability across the country, and more than reasonable price point, makes it an easy go to choice.

Oberon - 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Oberon is a Napa Valley partnership between Rob Mondavi Jr. and Tony Coltrin. They source fruit from vineyards in key spots throughout Napa Valley. Their focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Today I’ll look at their current release of Sauvignon Blanc. The Oberon 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from fruit sourced at two Napa Valley Vineyards; one in Pope Valley, the other in Southern Napa. This offering is 100% varietal. Tony decided to both cold tank ferment and barrel ferment to maintain the fruit and to impart some subtle characteristics. This wine is finished in screw cap and has a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Aromas of orange blossom and honeydew melon are apparent in the nose of this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Throughout the palate white peach, mango and continued citrus flavors all play a significant role. These come together in a gentle layered fashion, loaded with delicate spice and other quietly emerging characteristics which add complexity. Apricot and key lime pie flavors stand out in the finish where they are joined by a solid wallop of minerals. This wine has terrific length and excellent acidity.

I get the opportunity to taste a lot of Sauvignon Blanc and they come in all shapes and sizes. This offering from Oberon simply knocked me out with its complexity, length and deceivingly gentle nature. Savor this over a few hours and you'll be amazed as this wines charms slowly reveal themselves. This wine will certainly pair well with lighter foods, but it’s nothing short of a revelation on its own. The 2009 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc is delicious, refreshing and has plenty of complexity to hold your interest as you undoubtedly drain the entire bottle over a leisurely afternoon on your porch.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2008 Chardonnay / 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

More and more often I find myself gravitating to taste a larger number of wines from Mendocino when I can. One producer that sticks out in a good way is Paul Dolan Vineyards. They’re Organic and Biodynamic and fully embrace everything that is natural in winemaking. Today I’ll look at two of their white wines. The Paul Dolan Vineyard 2008 Chardonnay was produced entirely from Mendocino County fruit. Fruit was sourced from two vineyards, each planted in the early 1970’s. This wine is 100% varietal. 20% of the wine underwent oak barrel aging for 8 months; the remaining 80% was aged in stainless steel. 3,080 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Aromas of Orchard fruit, underscored by white pepper characteristics light up the nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Bartlett pear, pineapple and light mango flavors are on display through this incredibly fresh and lively wine. Hints of mineral, copious spice notes and a dollop of cream all emerge on the even-keeled and crisp finish of this selection.

The bottom line on this Chardonnay is that it’s clean, crisp and loaded with fresh fruit flavors. In other words this is what Chardonnay tastes like when it’s grown right and the winemaker allows its natural charms to shine. Drink this beauty over the next two years to get the most out of its charming flavors. This is a very impressive selection in its price range.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using fruit from two neighboring vineyards located at the headwaters of the Russian River in Mendocino County. This offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc; it was both fermented and aged in stainless steel. 1,260 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Hints of Vanilla Bean intertwine a bevy of citrus aromas in the bold and dynamic nose of this 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Zesty lemon sorbet flavors through the palate are accompanied by spices and a touch of grass. The finish is lean and mineral laden; it features crisp acidity. The Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc leans towards the austere side of this varietal, making it a wine that truly excels when well paired with lighter foods.

This Sauvignon Blanc stands out from the pack; its favors are individual and do an excellent job of expressing a sense of place. If you care about naturally grown wines that aren’t over manipulated, the Paul Dolan portfolio should be on your short list.

A Look At Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

I recently took part in a virtual tasting and had the opportunity to sample a number of Sauvignon Blanc’s from Chile. It was an interesting concept, eight winemakers in one room in Santiago Chile, a sommelier hosting from New York City and wine writers at home, all connected via web conference and tasting the same wines. I’d had tons of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc prior to this tasting, but sampling them side by side was illuminating. It showed off not only the variety of climates and terroir but also a host of winemaking styles. Each Sauvignon Blanc we tasted was pretty distinct. What follows are my impressions of the four that stood out to me. First up is the Ventisquero 2009 Queulat Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for this selection is from vineyards located in Casablanca Valley. Following slow fermentation at a constant temperature the lees were stirred. The suggested retail price for this wine is $17.

Citrus aromas and a hint of vanilla bean are present in the nose. White peach and mango fruit emerge in the palate. As those fresh fruit flavors head towards the finish they take on a savory edge. Minerals kick in as well as lemon zest and a hint of creaminess. Solid acidity keeps things in check. This is an excellent warm weather wine that will work nicely when paired with light foods

The second wine that stood out was the Undurraga 2009 T.H. Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for this selection was sourced in the Leyda Valley. The vineyards sourced are planted to three different clones of Sauvignon Blanc. Fermentation occurred over 22 days in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures. The suggested retail price for this offering is $16.

Characteristics of citrus and grass appear in tandem on the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors on the palate are very well integrated with lime, minerals and additional citrus fruits playing key roles. The fruit notes turn savory on the finish and they’re joined by increasing mineral as well as spice notes. I found this wine most enjoyable on it’s own where its subtle charms shine brightest.

The third wine I really enjoyed was the Valdivieso 2009 Single Vineyard Wild Fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for this wine was sourced at a single vineyard in the Ledya Valley. This wine was allowed to ferment with it’s natural yeast and as such none was added. Aging occurred in 500 liter French oak barrels over a six month period. The suggested retail price for this wine is $21.99.

A hint of almond leaps out of the nose first followed by a strong contingent of mineral aromas. Graprefuit is underscored by a hint of barley on the even keeled, well intregrated palate. Ginger, lemon and chamomile are all part of the finish which closes with a burst of creaminess. Fine acidity keeps things in check. This wine will stand up to dishes a notch or two more substantial than the average Sauvignon Blanc. I found this offering to be unique, intense and just lovely.

The fourth wine that stood out was the Cono Sur 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. This offering was made from fruit sourced in San Antonio Valley. All the grapes for this wine were organically grown. The suggested retail price for this offering is $13.

Orange cream sickle and wisps of grass fill the nose of this wine. The palate on this Sauvignon Blanc is full flavored and loaded with fruit; citrus in particular and stone fruit to a smaller degree. The mouth feel is creamy and all these flavors lead to a persistent and layered finish that shows off spice, mineral and green chili notes. Solid acidity keeps this wine nicely balanced. For $13 this Sauvignon Blanc is a steal. It works well on its own and with food. This is a good bet if you want to pour a crowd pleaser for a bunch of people this summer.

What the wines above do is show off a little bit of the wide range of Sauvignon Blanc styles and flavors coming out of Chile. The entry point is relatively inexpensive so it’s a good country and varietal combination to experiment with.

Cornerstone Cellars - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Cornerstone Cellars specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. Their releases featuring fruit from Napa Valley in general and Howell Mountain specifically have both been excellent over quite a few vintages. Lately they have been expanding in other areas. This includes Cabernet Franc and Grenache under their Second label, Stepping Stone. These wines as well as an upcoming Pinot Noir release are made from fruit sourced outside of their Napa home. Most recently they have added a Sauvignon Blanc under their Cornerstone name. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the varietals that seems to be planted in ever major wine region and flourishes, in different ways, in many of them. I’ll look at that Napa Valley release today. The Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This wine is 100% varietal and it was fermented in stainless steel over a month. Sur-lie aging in older barrels followed. This wine was then bottled in February. The suggested retail price for this Sauvignon Blanc is $25.

Citrus and hibiscus aromas mark the fresh and vibrant nose of this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is layered with Citrus and melon fruit flavors that are buttressed by a hint of creaminess. Underlying those are pineapple, mango and other tropical flavors. Additional spice characteristics are joined by a wallop of minerals on the lengthy finish. This Sauvignon Blanc shows off solid acidity.

Each wine I’ve had from Cornerstone Cellars has been fruit driven, balanced and elegant. This new release Sauvignon Blanc is no exception to that track record.

Robert Oatley - 2009 Rosé / 2009 Pinot Grigio / 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Today I’m going to take a look at three more wines that are perfectly suited for warm weather drinking. These selections are all from Robert Oatley Vineyards. This producer is located in the Mudgee section of Australia, one of the highest elevation winegrowing regions in the country. Robert Oatley has been making wine in Australia for over 40 years. Over time he began to procure land in the Mudgee region and when the time came to start his namesake winery he did so there. First up is the Robert Oatley 2009 Rosé of Sangiovese. This wine was made from fruit sourced at the family vineyards 1,500 feet plus above sea level in Mudgee, This offering is 100% varietal and saw no oak treatment. This wine has a suggested retail price of $15. The nose of this Rosé is marked by aromas of cherry and fresh wild strawberry. Throughout the palate watermelon flavors lead the charge accompanied by cherry and red raspberry as well. A hint of orange peel kicks in at the back of the palate and leads to the finish which has a host of spice notes and lingering fruit flavors. This wine shows crisp acidity and good balance

Next up is the Robert Oatley 2009 Pinot Grigio. Fruit for this wine was sourced from a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. This wine is 100% Pinot Grigio. Alcohol content is a modest 13% for this offering. This wine has a suggested retail price of $16. Bartlett pear and lychee fruit aromas are the most prominent components of this wine’s nose. Orchard fruit is the key element in the palate with both apple and pear playing a big role. Hints of vanilla and pie crust underlie the fruit. Ginger and white peach flavors emerge in the finish which also shows off hints of savory fruit. This Pinot Grigio has more in common with old word examples than it does with most new world versions. It’s crisp, dry and a natural partner for food.

Last up this time out is the Robert Oatley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for this selection was sourced in Pemberton on the Western side of Australia, almost 2,000 miles from Mudgee. This selection is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. As with the other two selections alcohol content is modest, in this case 12.2%. This wine, like the others, is finished in screw cap and has a suggested retail price of $16. Gooseberry, lemon zest and wisps of grass are all present in the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. An array of citrus flavors is on display throughout the palate; grapefruit, lime and lemon are the strongest trio. All the citrus notes are accompanied by copious amounts of spice. These come together to form a zippy, zesty flavor profile. Hints of white peach and honey emerge on the finish along with continuing spice, particularly white pepper. This wine has excellent acidity.

These three wines from Robert Oatley have much in common despite being very different wines in most ways. Balance and food friendliness are the key elements they share. While each wine is full favored and loaded with varietal character none of them are over the top, or quite frankly anywhere in that ballpark. These are wines you can enjoy every day that will pair well with warm weather and food. Their modest alcohol content and even keeled nature also means they won’t exhaust your palate. With a suggested retail price of around $15 apiece these wines are good values.

Two Angels - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

With spring here and summer on the way it’s the perfect time to enjoy lighter more refreshing wines. One of the varietals that scream warm weather to me is Sauvignon Blanc. This adaptable varietal is made in many of the world’s major wine regions. And as is the case with a red varietal like Cabernet Sauvignon, the different regions of the world impart their own stamp upon it. High Valley, north of Napa in California is an area that has been making some interesting and noteworthy Sauvignon Blanc the last few years. Today I’ll look at one from Two Angels. The Two Angels 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was made exclusively from fruit sourced at Shannon Ridge Vineyards in High Valley. Two separate lots were chosen for this wine, picked 10 days apart. These vineyards sit approximately 2,200 feet above sea level. This offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Just over 2,500 cases of this vintage were produced and the suggested retail price is $15.99.

Citrus, green melon and grass aromas fill the expressive nose of this 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Gooseberry, honeydew melon and continued citrus themes make up the generously fruity palate of this wine.  Subtle peach and apricot notes along with hints of apple kick in around mid-palate and continue to the crisp and refreshing finish along with white pepper and hazelnut characteristics. This wine has terrific acidity and very good balance.

What stands out to me about this wine is that it features elements of both citrus and grass leaning Sauvignon Blancs. That said it falls towards the citrus side of things. The bottom line is that the Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious wine that exemplifies the best of the style that is being produced these days using fruit from High Valley. Whether you drink it alone or pair it with lighter foods, this Sauvignon Blanc will shine.

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Clarendelle - 2006 White Bordeaux

Wines from Europe are often intimidating to the average US consumer. Sometimes it’s due to perceived cost concerns, other times it’s due to confusion over labeling. The truth is that there are a lot of great wines from all over Europe that are very reasonably priced and offer similar quality to price ratios as new world counterparts do. Today I’m going to look at a white wine from the Bordeaux region of France. This 2006 Clarendelle Blanc Bordeaux is a blend of Sémillon (46%) Sauvignon Blanc (44%), and Muscadelle (10%). The suggested retail price for this wine is $19.95.

Aromas of lemon zest and orange blossom are both prominent in the nose of this wine. Citrus continues through the palate. It's joined by tropical fruit such as mango, guava and kiwi. Honeydew emerges as well and carries through the finish which has a nice edge of creaminess and a host of appealing spice notes, notably white pepper. This wine is impeccably balanced and features good acidity. I paired this White Bordeaux with a crostini topped with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and a triple creme cows milk cheese. It was a tremendously satisfying match. This wine also drinks nicely on its own.

Two things most impress me about this wine. The level of complexity in the price range is one thing. Layers of flavor emerge as you let this wine wash over you. It’s important to note that while this wine should definitely be chilled, avoid over chilling it. Many of the nuances are lost if this is served too cold. Cellar temperature of approximately 55 degrees works very well. The other thing that impressed me is how seamless of a blend this really is. Certainly benchmark qualities of each varietal shine through, but more than that they come together to form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. A very nice White Bordeaux and a very well priced one at that. If you’re drinking new world Sauvignon Blanc or similar style blends try the Clarendelle out, you might be surprised by what a terrific value it is.

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Thanksgiving On A Budget With The Robert Mondavi Family of Wines

With Thanksgiving a couple of days away it’s time to think about what wines to serve with your holiday meal. This year, as much if not more than any other, many are faced with the need to make the holiday not only joyful but affordable as well. With that in mind I’ve picked out a trio of tasty selections that come in at a budget price. All three come from labels that were started by Robert Mondavi. Over the years in addition to his namesake Napa winery he started a number of other labels in all parts of the world with numerous focuses. Today I’ll look at three from California facilities that hit the spot taste wise and won’t break the budget either. First up is the Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for this wine comes predominately from Monterey County (92%) with San Benito County (5%) and Paso Robles (3%) making up the rest. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc (94%), Riesling (3%) and Gewürztraminer (3%) are blended in. This selection was aged and fermented in stainless steel. The suggested retail price for this offering is $11.

Lemon Zest notes dominate the fresh nose of this Sauvignon Blanc Throughout the palate stone and citrus fruit characteristics are prominent. Lemon ice in particular is a standout flavor. A hint of grass comes in during the mid-palate and continues through the finish along with mineral notes and a touch of flint. The finish is crisp and clean featuring good length in its category and excellent acidity.

Especially at holiday time it’s nice to have several wines throughout the day. This Sauvignon Blanc will serve equally well as a welcome wine or paired with appetizers. It’s tasty on it’s own but the terrific acidity it showcases will help make it a match with a host of lighter foods.

The second wine is the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2007 Zinfandel. Fruit for this wine is sourced mostly in Lodi (94%) with the balance coming from several other California regions. In addition to Zinfandel (91%), Merlot (3%), Petite Sirah (2%), Malbec (2%) Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties (2%) are blended in. The suggested retail price for this wine is $8.

This 2007 wine leads with a jam-laden nose, so typically associated with Zinfandel. It’s loaded with berry, cherry and hint of cedar. The palate is very juicy with red and black fruit flavors intermingling and fighting your tongue for attention, Black cherry is particularly prominent. The finish features sweet cocoa, sour berry, white pepper and vanilla that echoes persistently. This is a well balanced and food friendly Zinfandel.

Thanksgiving is perhaps the most American of holidays. Zinfandel is the closest we have to a heritage grape in this country. The two go together philosophically as well as they do pairing wise. This wine is a good fit for the abundant cornucopia of foods on the average American Thanksgiving table. For $8 a bottle you can have a lot of it on hand to quench everyone’s thirst.

The final wine for a tasty and budget priced Thanksgiving is the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2008 Moscato. Grapes for this wine were sourced from throughout California. This 100% Muscat is a blend of Muscat Canelli (60%), Orange Muscat (30%) and Muscat of Alexandria (10%). Alcohol content is a modest 10% for this selection. The suggested retail price for this wine is $8.

Lychee fruit and honey clove make up the inviting nose of this wine. Orange blossom, tangerine and apricot notes are all prominent throughout the palate of this Moscato. Subtle white pepper notes kick in around mid-palate and continue through the finish along with additional honey and citrus notes. This wine is light, fragrant and sweet but not overly so.

This 2008 Moscato will be a good choice to pair with dessert. Fruit tart or Italian Cheesecake both come to mind as excellent matches. Alternatively this wine could be dessert on its own.

Each of these wines is true to its varietal and is a solid value. Shop around and you’ll find them for less than the suggested retail price. Savvy shoppers will be able to round all three of them up for less than $25 combined. Now that’s some Holiday drinking on a budget. These wines are also widely available so you should easily be able to find them throughout the US and beyond.

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Rodney Strong - 2008 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc

RS SBRodney Strong Vineyards is one of the larger Sonoma County producers. They’re also a consistent one, routinely turning out well made wines that speak of their Sonoma County origins. With all the boutique Wineries out there it sometimes becomes easy to focus on them and forget what the Rodney Strong's of the world bring to the table.  Producers like Rodney Strong Vineyards serve an important purpose; not only do they make good wine consistently, often at a fair price, it’s also widely available. There are many places throughout our country that simply don’t have the ability to stock small boutique productions. So having larger producers who do make interesting, and reliable wines is important, because there sure are a lot of folks who are not making wines that inspire passion. Rodney Strong also makes some small production offerings, giving their portfolio nice variety for those who wish to delve deeper. Today I’ll look at the current release of their Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc is produced from fruit sourced at several of their Estate Vineyards. Fruit from the namesake vineyard in Alexander Valley is blended with selections from a couple of others in Alexander Valley and Russian River. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 9% was fermented in French oak with the majority fermented in stainless steel tanks. The suggested retail price for this wine is $15.

Lemon ice, hints of lime and an overall mélange of citrus fill the nose of this 2008 Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus circus continues through the palate; grapefruit and lemon are most prominent and underscored by orchard fruit such as Bartlett pear a wisp of granny smith apple and an array of spice notes. The finish is clean, crisp and refreshing with a lingering wallop of citrus and good punch of acidity to close things out. Pair this up with a variety of lighter fare or drink it on its own.

This is a classic example of Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. It's also a selection that I preferred ice cold. The cooler temperature really seemed to help show off the citrus elements which are the backbone of this wine. This is another consistent and reasonably priced entry from Rodney Strong.

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Two Wines From Brancott In New Zealand

tsBrancott in New Zealand planted the first commercial vineyards in Marlborough more than 30 years ago. In 1979 they made their first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc. This is particularly noteworthy when you consider what an important role that varietal plays in the history, evolution and world-wide recognition of New Zealand’s Wine Industry. Today I’ll look at two of their current release wines, not surprisingly one is in fact a Sauvignon Blanc. The Brancott 2008 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is made from fruit sourced at two vineyards. This offering is comprised completely of Sauvignon Blanc. The suggested retail price for this wine is $19.

Melon, gooseberry and lemon zest are prominent in the nose. They carry through the palate which also features peach characteristics and hint of grass. Mineral notes, white pepper and some mouth puckering tartness emerge on the finish. Crisp, abundant acidity frames everything and makes this a Sauvignon Blanc that lends itself quite favorably to food.

What stood out most about this Sauvignon Blanc is that even with its hint of grassiness it leans away from the style that normally comes to mind in New Zealand. While that typically grassy Zealand style is often great, I like seeing something different and well done.

The second wine from Brancott is the 2007 Terraces “T” Marlborough Pinot Noir. This wine is of course 100% Pinot Noir. Aging was accomplished in French oak; ages ranged from new to two years old. The suggested retail price for this Pinot Noir is $32.

Black cherry and vanilla dominate the nose of this Pinot Noir. Throughout the palate, raspberry, clove nutmeg and white pepper are prominent along with subtler but present hints of cocoa. The finish of this classy Pinot Noir has an avalanche of deliciously pleasing sour cherry. The structure of this wine is framed by terrific acidity. This is one of those Pinot’s you can order at a restaurant when everyone at the table is eating a diverse array of foods.

What impressed me most about this selection is that it’s clearly age worthy. It should really come together and improve in the short term (2-3 years) and drink well for a couple of years after that. Good and great Pinot Noir is not inexpensive. This is an excellent one at a reasonable price.

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Dry Creek Vineyard - 2007 Sonoma County Fumé Blanc

2007_fume_blanc_lbl_xlgToday I'll look at the third Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Vineyard. This is perhaps the varietal they are best known for. While the previous selections I looked at where single vineyard offerings, this is their county appellation, widely available, take on Sauvignon Blanc. The 2007 Fumé Blanc is made from Sonoma County fruit. This wine is 100% varietal. This offering was fermented in stainless steel. Just less than 30,000 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $14.50

Citrus peel emerges on the nose along with stone fruit and light but noticeable grass notes. The palate of this Sauvignon Blanc is rich and mouth-filling with a host of citrus, gooseberry and kiwi throughout. The finish is generous in length and loaded with continued citrus as well as tropical fruit notes. Mineral and spice notes also emerge and linger to the very last. This wine has excellent acidity and good balance. It'll work well as an aperitif or paired with a wide range of lighter cuisine.

The lasting impression from this particular wine is of a Sauvignon Blanc that far outshines its price tag. There are countless Sauvignon Blanc's in this price range. Few of them offer the amount of rich fruit, complexity, quality and overall pleasurable drinking experience that this fine example from Dry Creek Vineyard does. What I often find lacking in other Sauvignon Blanc's in this neighborhood is that they can be out of whack. Either too much acidity or leaning too far towards the citrus or the grassy side. Thankfully this one has none of those issues. With close to 30,000 cases produced this one is going to be easy to find and likely for closer to $12.

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Dry Creek Vineyard - 2006 Estate Fumé Blanc DCV3

dcv3A couple of weeks back I looked at one of the Sauvignon Blanc's from Dry Creek Vineyard. Today I'll look at one of the others. They make three different Sauvignon Blanc's. What's impressive about that, is the distinction between them. The 2006 Estate Fumé Blanc DCV3 from Dry Creek Vineyard is produced from fruit sourced in a single vineyard. The DCV3 stands, in fact, as the very first vineyard in Dry Creek Valley planted to Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was fermented in stainless steel. It's made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 497 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $25.

The nose of this Estate Sauvignon Blanc is predominately filled with grapefruit and lemon notes. Throughout the palate both citrus and grassy notes are resplendent. White pepper accompanies incredibly fresh citrus flavors from the mid-palate through the finish. That long, persistent finish has drying mineral notes and a final hint of grass. This wine is crisp, clean and buttressed by excellent acidity.

A couple of things stand out above everything else about this particular Sauvignon Blanc. First of all it does an excellent job of combining both the grassy and citrus laden sides of the varietal. That leads to the second thing that impresses me. This wine has a vast array of subtle layers and complexity that reveal themselves if you take the time to consider this wine.

Compared to the Musqué the DCV3 Estate Sauvignon Blanc is leaner and crisper. Each is impressive in its own right, it just depends on what you're looking for. Stay tuned as I'll look at a third Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Vineyard later this month.

 

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Veramonte - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

Over  years the number  of wines on US shelves from South American countries has increased. Value, quality and availability often etiquetasfotos_label_sbfluctuate. Some producers stay on the shelves and provide a consistent product year after year. In the case of today's wine from Veramonte it hit US shelves in 1998, exactly a decade ago. Today I'll look at their Sauvignon Blanc. The 2008 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc is made from fruit sourced in Chile's Casablanca Valley. This wine is 100% varietal. This offering is fermented entirely in stainless steel. 70,000 cases of this wine were imported and the suggested retail price is $10.99.

The Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc  has a delicate pale straw color in the glass. The nose is filled with citrus and honeysuckle notes. It really wafts from the glass beckoning you in for a sip. Citrus notes along with gooseberry and honeydew melon are prominent throughout the palate. This Sauvignon Blanc finishes with a clean, crisp acidic bite. It satisfies and calls you back for another sip. This will be a nice wine as an aperitif or matched with lighter dishes such as an entrée salad or goat cheese puff appetizers.

If you're a fan of Sauvignon Blanc made in a style that leans towards citrus flavors this is a good example to check out. This wine is often available for around $8 and with 70,000 cases imported it won't be hard to find. A good bet as a house white. Vermaonte has been a consistent producer from Chile worth investigating from vintage to vintage.

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Dry Creek Vineyard - 2006 Taylor's Vineyard Musqué

musqThere are several varietals that come to mind when I think of Dry Creek Vineyard. One of those is Sauvignon Blanc. They make three different offerings of this varietal. One is part of their Signature Wines series and the other two are part of their Single Vineyard offerings. I'm going to look at all three of the current Sauvignon Blanc releases this month. I'll start today with one of the single vineyard selections. The 2006 Taylor's Vineyard Musqué is 100% varietal. The grapes used represent a specific clone of Sauvignon Blanc that Dry Creek Vineyard isolated to produce this offering. This wine was fermented in stainless steel. 539 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $25.

Honeydew melon and a host of tropical fruit notes lead an explosive nose that's underpinned by spices. The palate is rich, round and mouth filling throughout. This is a smooth, lush, opulent white wine loaded with guava, pear, pineapple and nutmeg from beginning to end. The finish on the 2006 Musqué is impressively long with lots of mineral and spice notes as well as a light undercurrent of subtle smoke. Tremendous acidity makes this an excellent match for many foods.

There are several things that make this wine stand out for me. The tremendous nose is one. The outstanding finish is another. At the end of the day though I'm most impressed by how unique this wine is. Sometimes wines produced from single vineyards or isolated clones aren't as individualistic as one would think they're going to be. That's not a problem here. The Taylor's Vineyard Musqué from Dry Creek Vineyard is both unique and impressive. I've tasted a boatload of Sauvignon Blanc this year, this is one of my 2 or 3 favorites. This is undeniably a wine to go out of your way to get.

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Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2007 Sauvignon Blanc

The last wine from Rodney Strong Vineyards I'm looking at right now is a Sauvignon Blanc. I find this to be a white varietal that really speaks of summer. There's something about the crisp acidity and bold flavors featured in many Sauvignon Blancs that make them an excellent warm weather beverage. The 2007 Rodney Strong Vineyards Charlotte's Home Estate Sauvignon Blanc is sourced primarily the Charlotte's Home vineyard with some fruit coming from other estate vines in Russian River & Alexander Valley. A small percentage of the fruit was fermented in Oak with the majority fermented in Stainless Steel. The suggested retail price for this wine is $14.

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from Rodney Strong has an immense nose filled with grapefruit, ripe bosc pear, Meyer lemon and subtle spice notes. The first thing that's apparent when sipping this wine is that it's in the citrus school of Sauvignon Blancs, not the grassy school. That tends to be my preference. Gooseberry, melon, and pear fill the palate of this wine which is very clean, crisp and refreshing. The mid-palate is incredibly rich, fruity and mouth-filling. The finish brings out mineral notes that linger, along with continued zest from the plethora of citrus notes. This wine will pair with light summer foods. Personally I liked this one better sipped on its own.

What I like best about this wine is that it's essentially summer in a glass. All the bright fruit notes, underscored by some mineral and spice complexity speak to me of warm weather. While the suggested retail price is $14, this wine is widely available for closer to $10. If you like Sauvignon Blanc this is a nice value.

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