Whether you represent a winery or are just a “regular Jane/Joe”, feel free to contribute to the list and share which wines make you swoon ~ Cheers!
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Viognier
If I had to describe Viognier in just one word it would be, “complex”. To me, Viognier is a wine that I love to just sip on its own. I love to dissect each sip to discover new flavors and aroma hints. Cheers!
McManis 2011 Viognier
California ~ $11
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2011 Viognier from McManis Family Vineyards has a bright hue and is medium straw in color. This wne is filled with big, bright fruit aromas of pear and peach. The wine is viscous and creamy in the mouth. All the flavor promised by the nose is amply delivered. Long after the swallow, the pleasing essence remains.
Bonterra 2010 Viognier
California ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: Following an established Bonterra custom, we’ve layered a little Muscat into the blend, adding to the exciting aroma of this wine. The wine is in oak for 6 months to gain a note of vanilla. Increasing use of stainless and cold fermentation provides ever fresher and decidedly forward fruit that leaps from the glass. Aromas of peaches and cream, citrus blossom and apricot greet you at the first introduction. Peaches and cream are a sensory signature of this wine. Fruit flavors of apricot and peach are accented with spice. The wine is crisp and rich with beautiful elegance and a very long finish.
Biltmore Reserve 2010 Viognier
North Carolina ~ $16
Winemaker’s Notes: Crafted from North Carolina's finest, this exceptional Viognier is full-bodied with intense aromas of apricot, honeysuckle, and lime
Spice Route 2009 Viognier
South Africa ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: The intense fruit character of the wine is well-supported by the addition of oak, making a bold wine with good aging potential. Light bronze in the glass. Perfumed aromas of tropical fruit and candied orange peel. Spicy complexity and rich mouthfeel, with ripe fruit reappearing on the palate. Perfume and warming spice continue for an elegant and lengthy finish.
Two Shepherds Vineyards 2011 Viognier, Saralee’s Vineyard, Russian River Valley
California ~ $24
Winemaker’s Notes: The color is a bright, golden yellow straw. On the nose it’s as expressive as Viognier can be, but not overly floral and overpowering as it often is when over ripe. In fact, if you blind tasted this, you might not guess it as Viognier. Notes of banana, honeydew, tropical fruit. In the mouth, it is bright on the front palate, with notes of citrus, stone fruit. In the mid palate, the texture spreads across the tongue, combining weight with lush fruit, and then finishes with lingering acidity, melon, and almond notes. Pair it with crab, scallops, or roasted chicken.
Naked Winery 2009 Complicated Viognier
Oregon ~ $24
Winemaker’s Notes: Within one sip you'll find tastes that are fruity, spicy, soft yet direct...this is Complicated! Forward fruits are fresh and flirty. Floral scents are tangled in a love triangle with pineapple and mango flavors. And although kiwi flavors are married to apricot, they're dancing with citrus and spice. This is as Complicated as it gets!
Conway Family Wines 2008 Deep Sea Central Coast Viognier
California ~ $26
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2008 Deep Sea Viognier pours into the glass with a brilliant white-gold tint. The nose reveals notes of white stone fruits, pear, flint, citrus peel and hints of anise, toffee, wet stone, and white flowers. Despite its delicate floral nose and soft entry, it evolves into a medium rich, mouth coating style of Viognier with just enough of a reminder of acidity to provide balance. Its lingering creamy finish completes this generous but delicate wine.
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Last August I attended the Wine Blogger Conference in Portland, OR and had the fortunate opportunity to taste lots of wine! So, I've decided to compile a "Best of the Best" Wine List from the 2012 Wine Blogger Conference. It was an amazing experience being able to taste such a wide variety of wines that were both from large scale wineries and extremely small family owned wineries. I have attached a link to each winery and I would like to encourage you to check out each one, even if you've never heard of it before ~ it's a wonderful opportunity to explore!
Throughout the weekend I tasted wine from very affordable to extremely expensive. My goal with the following list was to offer only the wines that I thought would be the most widely available, whether by ordering directly from the winery or at your local wine shop. Many are at the upper price point and these wines may be perfect for a special occasion. Either way, I sincerely hope you enjoy perusing the many options in this August Wine List ~ Cheers!
White ~
Francis Ford Coppola 2010 Votre Santé Chardonnay
California ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: Striking a lovely balance between sweet fruit, zesty citrus notes and a spiced vanilla finish, our 2010 Votre Santé Chardonnay delivers a delicate perfume of peaches, lemons, and spiced pears along with luscious flavors of apples, pineapple, and toasted vanilla.
King Estate 2011 Signature Pinot Gris
Oregon ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: Color: Light straw, emerald brilliance Aroma: Raspberry, grapefruit, honeydew melon, lime zest, floral notes, and a hint of honey Flavor: Lemon-lime, green apple, white peach, pineapple, a hint of spice Mouthfeel: Viscous mid palate, crisp acid, balanced finish
Rodney Strong 2010 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay
California ~ $20
Winemaker’s Notes: Rich, with complex flavors of ripe apples and citrus, wet stone, and warm pie crust, balanced with creamy oak and a refreshing finish.
Brooks 2009 Ara (Dry) Riesling
Oregon ~ $25
Winemaker’s Notes: Our 2009 vintage of the wine featured at the White House State Dinner. Slate, spices, apples & honey ...definitely one for a collector (or President.) Only the finest and most complex fruit was selected for this beautiful blend. Promising great things for those who can hold onto it, cellaring for 3-5 years!
Alexana 2011 Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills
Oregon ~ $26
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2011 Alexana Pinot Gris is a knockout – a favorite around the winery where we think it is our most complex and satisfying Pinot Gris to date. Fermented in 75% stainless steel tank, 12.5% new French Oak and 12.5% neutral French Oak barrels, this exquisite Pinot Gris exudes aromas of candied pear, tart apple, minerals, wet stone and peach blossoms. The palate explodes with papaya and peach, interlacing with intense minerality. The rich palate-feel is framed by vivid acid, creating a deep textural quality. Perfect at cellar temperature, either alone or with food, the 2011 Pinot Gris is beautifully complex.
Phelps Creek 2009 Estate Reserve Chardonnay
Oregon ~ $28
Winemaker’s Notes: This beautiful, food-friendly Chardonnay is lively and crisp upon entry with layers of pear, apple and citrus fruit. Round and elegant is offers a supple palate of fruit with a medium weight. It finishes long and silky with plenty of French oak spice. Enjoy now until 2014.
Cathedral Ridge 2009 Reserve Chardonnay
Oregon ~ $44
Winemaker’s Notes: A light golden hue with a warm nose that hints at vanilla. A luscious, full mouthfeel with nutty notes and butterscotch that lead through strong, complex layers lingering throughout the finish.
Red ~
Don Sebastiani and Sons 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
California ~ $19
Winemaker’s Notes: Our 2010 Pinot Noir is mostly comprised of two different Sonoma Coast sub-appellations; the Petaluma Gap and Carneros regions. The wind and fog are the Petaluma Gap's trademark. Fruit from this cool climate adds depth and complexity to this medium-bodied Pinot Noir while the Carneros influence provides fleshy fruit notes that linger on the palate. These cooler climates help keep the grape acidity at advantageous levels to balance with the wine's smooth, soft tannins. This is an all around crowd pleasing Pinot Noir.
Hope Family Wines Troublemaker Red Blend 3
California ~ $20
W
inemaker’s Notes: Troublemaker combines elegance and power. Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats. The wine shows amazing depth and intensity with a rich and textural mouthfeel. Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa, it is a well-balanced wine that culminates with an extended finish.
Kramer Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir
Oregon ~ $20
Winemaker’s Notes: Aromas of dark cherries, nutmeg, allspice, and a hint of black tea fill the glass. On the palate, this wine shows abundant dark berry fruit--more cherries, black raspberry, and a bit plum. Tannins are smooth and integrated; finish is very long with black pepper and clove.
King Estate 2010 Signature Pinot Noir
Oregon ~ $29
Winemaker’s Notes: Appearance: Deep garnet, bright ruby tint Aroma: Cherry, eucalyptus, raspberry, spice Flavor: Pomegranate, vanilla, cherry, oak, lavender Mouthfeel: Soft rich entry, nice texture, good weight, long lively crisp finish
Frank Family Vineyards 2009 Napa Valley Zinfandel
California ~ $37
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 Zinfandel is bright scarlet in color and possesses aromas of raspberries, plums, leather, brown sugar and white pepper. Medium bodied on the palate, flavors of sweet plum and caramel are balanced with silky tannins, earthiness and a kick of spice and acidity.
Beaulieu Vineyard 2002 Private Reserve Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
California ~ $145
Winemaker’s Notes: Opaque black-ruby of color. Deep black cherry, black olive and complex, mineral-licorice aromas from the Clone 6 grape. One of the most intense Georges de Latour Cabernets in recent years, the dark berry flavors are framed by intense, rich tannins. Well balanced and full-bodied, the finish features the dense minerality and structure typical of Clones 6 and 4. A great wine, destined for the great tables of the world, and the classic Cabernet matches of roasted meats and savory cheeses.
Opus One 2002 Vintage
California ~ $250
Winemaker’s Notes: Opus One thinned the 2002 vintage to the lowest per-acre yield in a decade, encouraging quality and concentration of flavors. The 2002 Opus One shows aromas of dried strawberry, vanilla bean and mocha with flavors of cassis, black cherry, plum and espresso. Offering a lean, vibrant entry with profound mid-palate density, the wine finishes with bittersweet chocolate and a hint of smoke.
Rosé ~
Merryhill Winery 2010 Rosé of Sangiovese
Oregon ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: Our 2010 Rosé of Sangiovese is a crisp refreshing sipper. The subtle bouquet has sweet and tart strawberry components to pique your curiosity. On the palate imagine hints of strawberry, cranberry and tart cherry with essence of pink grapefruit on the finish. This palate pleaser will pair well with picnic fair as well as leave you refreshed while relaxing on the veranda.
Sparkles & Sweets ~
Casa Vinicola Zonin S.P.A. Prosecco
Italy ~ $10
Winemaker’s Notes: Very well-balanced and appealing, with the extremely delicate almond note that is typical of Prosecco. An excellent aperitif, It can also be served throughout the meal - including desert - as along as the dishes are not too strongly.
The Pines Vineyard 2009 Sweet Sierra
Oregon ~ $22
Winemaker’s Notes: Our velvety port-syle zinfandel shows characteristics of lush blackberry and rich chocolate-covered cherries. This wine tantalizes your taste buds from start to finish. Enjoy after a nice meal, or by the fire. The Pines founder, Lonnie Wright, wanted to name this reserve wine after his daughter, Sierra.
August Cellars 2007 Port
Oregon ~ $25
Winemaker’s Notes: We use Marechal Foch as our base grape and we aged the 2007 “port” for two years in new oak. This port wine is a great match with gingerbread, blue cheese and fresh pairs or chocolate.
Vineto 2009 Gewürztraminer Icewine
Oregon ~ $45
Winemaker’s Notes: This is the First-Ever true Icewine from the renowned Celilo Vineyard. Discovering perfect conditions on December 8 for icewine - frozen grapes were picked at 17F then pressed for 24 hours to give a tiny yield of juice at 37.2 Brix. Fermented in neutral oak and stainless steel then slowly matured in the winery, this wine is very aromatic with honey, floral and pear aromas and great richness, sweetness and depth. It is fabulous with simple desserts and flavorful cheeses.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pinot Grigio
If I had to describe Pinot Grigio in just one word it would be, “light”. Pinot Grigio reminds me of being at the beach at a seafood restaurant overlooking the water. I can just smell the salt water and taste my Pinot Grigio. I love to pair my Pinot Grigios with grilled salmon!
Three Pairs 2011 Pinot Gris
California ~ $10
Winemaker’s Notes: Aromatics of crisp pear, pippin apple and citrus. Nectarous pears, peaches and apples combine in a rich mouthfeel, complemented by a savory acidity.
Mezzacorona 2010 Pinot Grigio
Italy ~ $12
Winemaker’s Notes: From tight clusters with sweet copper-colored grapes, this Pinot Grigio is characterized by a distinctive balance, finesse and elegance. Color: Straw yellow. Bouquet: Pleasant, delicate and fruity. Flavor: Dry, elegant and balanced.
Kris 2010 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT
Italy ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: Pale yellow in color with brilliant greenish reflections, enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, and hints of apricots and almonds. Kris is lean and refreshing on the palate with hints of blossom and honey.
David Hill 2010 Estate Pinot Gris
Oregon ~ $16
Winemaker’s Notes: Intensely aromatic, with lovely accents of pine needle, grapefruit, and mint. An elegant, complex and vividly spicy wine, with all elements proportionate, and showing excellent depth and structure. The flavors of fruit and forest just keep unfolding through a lingering finish.
Ponzi 2011 Pinot Gris
Oregon ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: Quince, magnolia, nutmeg, pear, vanilla and green apple are just a few of the layered aromatics in the nose. The palate is key lime pie, white peach, honey and minerality within a brilliant frame of acidity.
Seven Hills 2011 Pinot Gris
Oregon ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: The wine is light straw-gold in color with aromas of ripe citrus, spearmint, pear and fresh hazelnut. There’s an enticing streak of vanillin from the oak. The wine is dry, but has a bright, sweet citrus palate made more interesting by a hint of spearmint by mouth. The finish is clean, brisk and fruitful.
Passaggio 2010 Pinot Grigio
California ~ $18
Winemaker’s Notes: A brilliant pale straw color with a greenish tint. Stone fruit, citrus, with hints of floral and strong minerality on the nose. Layers of citrus, pear, green apple, and enticing minerality with a crisp long finish.
Castello di Amorosa 2011 Pinot Grigio, Mendocino County
California ~ $20
Winemaker’s Notes: Fruity, bright orange/citrus and green apple aromas with rich honeydew melon and tangy lemon overtones and balanced acidity that gives it a very refreshing and crisp quality, bursting with bright, juicy fruit flavors
MacMurray Ranch 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris
California ~ $20
Winemaker’s Notes: After six to eight months time in bottle, the bright aromas and complex varietal characters of citrus, fig, and spice add both weight and interest to the wine. The flavors of peach, spicy pear and citrus meld together in a rich core, developing a round mouth feel which complements its crisp, clean finish.
Chalk Hill 2009 North Slope Pinot Gris
California ~ $30
Winemaker’s Notes: Rich and generous, our 2009 Pinot Gris carries aromas of pear, apricot, honeysuckle and nutmeg. The flavors include apple pie, honey, almond and brioche.
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Zinfandel
If I had to describe the varietal Zinfandel (otherwise affectionately known as “Zin”) in just one word it would be, “Jammy”. This particular varietal is one of my favorites so it was very difficult choosing between the many wonderful Zins. Ultimately, Zins are best enjoyed with family and friends all sitting around the dinner table together. I love to pair my Zin with Tri-Tip and especially chocolate!
Bogle Vineyards 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel
California ~ $10
Winemaker’s Notes: Head-trained and dry farmed vines continue to be the source for Bogle’s Old Vine Zinfandel. These gnarly old vines produce concentrated fruit of unsurpassed quality and intensity. This full-bodied vintage shows itself with rich black raspberry notes that round out in the mouth, accompanied by the scents of summer fruit jam bubbling on the stove. Juniper berry and cinnamon stick join the spiciness of red and black peppercorns as they integrate with the supple fruit and lead toward the finish. Toasty oak and cloves are the perfect finishing touch.
Cline 2010 Ancient Vines Zinfandel
California ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful, fat strawberry, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this mouth coating rich vintage a nice complement to pasta dishes with a light tomato sauce or grilled meats.
Four Vines 2009 “Maverick” Zinfandel, Amador County
California ~ $15
Winemaker's Notes: Devious mischief abounds from these dry-farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenendoah Valley. This Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah from the Bailey Vineyard. Maverick...The Jam Bomb...mischievous fun!
Frey 2007 Biodynamic Zinfandel, Redwood Valley, Estate Bottled
California ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: Fresh from our biodynamic home vineyard and fermented with wild yeast, this definitive Zinfandel bursts with intense raspberry and blackberry fruit that leads to a long finish of cedar and cocoa. Serve with heirloom tomato sauces for an Italian feast.
Sobon Estate 2009 Fiddletown Zinfandel, Amador County
California ~ $22
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 vintage is a stunning multifaceted wine, one of the best we have produced from this vineyard. It has intriguing aromas of spice, cherry, and concentrated fruit: restrained, but very complex. The multiple flavors feature a toasty, dusty cherry component so typical of the Fiddletown area. The finish is long and lingering, and invites another taste.
Dashe 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
California ~ $24
Winemaker’s Notes: The cool and slow ripening made for perfectly balanced and expressive wines, and we are amazed at the depth of flavors and fine balance between fruit and acid that makes this wine so drinkable. Extremely dark in color, the wine is just a blockbuster of flavors: black cherry and raspberry, dark chocolate, coffee, mineral and earth, and clove and black pepper spice.
Michael David Winery 2010 Earthquake Zinfandel
California ~ $26
Winemaker’s Notes: Huge, dark and rich. Coffee, Dark chocolate, blackberry, plum and black cherry aromas, with smoky, spicy notes. Powerfully rich in the mouth with good intensity. A long spicy finish.
Seghesio 2009 Block 8 Zinfandel
California ~ $28
Winemaker’s Notes: Slightly cooler climate fruit shows Zinfandel’s elegance, Scents of red fruits and briary spice, Good acidity lifts fruit profile, Flavors redolent of cherry compote and raspberry preserves, Nice synergy of components and fine, dusty tannins engage the senses, A hint of French oak, and a soft, round finish with lingering cherry/raspberry varietal markers exhibits a sense of place.
Ravenswood 2008 Barricia Vineyard Zinfandel
California ~ $35
Winemaker’s Notes: Raspberry, cherry pie, cracked black pepper, and spice driven scents with hints of coffee and new leather add complexity to the aromas classically associated with Barricia vineyards. Delicious sweet red fruit flavors at the heart of the wine give way to an intense finish with silky tannins and lingering flavors of blackberries and candied cherries. This is a wine with lovely structure and focus.
F. Teldeschi 2001 Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
California ~ $40
Winemaker’s Notes: Dark and inky, with a lovely black cherry nose. Huge mouth-feel with a long lingering finish of slightly sweet fruit. Round plums lead to prickly berries with a hint of nutmeg and clove. Elegantly crafted to age 10 years. 150 cases produced. 15.2% Alcohol.
Brown Estate 2010 Napa Valley Zinfandel
California ~ $40
Winemaker’s Notes: Visually alluring with a dark garnet core and soft ruby rim, this wine embodies gemstone clarity. A swirl of the glass unleashes hallmark aromas that are imprinted in each vintage of our Napa Valley Zinfandel: hibiscus blossom, Asian apple, rose petals, and lily lead to ripe wild cherries, kumquat preserves, star anise, cedar, and an enticing touch of game that ebbs and flows on the nose. Cascades of exotic spice follow, leading with allspice, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom with Madagascar vanilla and subtle tobacco. Expansive and broad with a silky, creamy mouthfeel that is interwoven seamlessly with mandarin-like zestiness that lingers on the palate. From lamb burgers and sausages on the grill to smoked trout and caviar to classic roast chicken or truffle mac and cheese, this is the black cashmere sweater of wines – always appropriate, goes with everything. Drink now through 2022.
A. Rafanelli 2010 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
California ~ $45 (their prices are hard to narrow down but this is my best guess)
Winemaker’s Notes: A bold Zin rich in fruit that is both juicy and briary. Stylistic, fresh and vibrant coupled with toasty spice aromas and a touch of honey vanilla. The brightness awakens the palate and makes it a delicious pairing with many food dishes. With a great balance of acidity this wine will age gracefully in the cellar for years to come.
Rosenblum 2007 Lyon's Reserve Zinfandel, Napa Valley
California ~ $45
Winemaker’s Notes: A powerful Zinfandel from the Napa Valley, our Lyon’s Reserve exhibits the richness and complexity of this renowned growing region. Aromas of wild berries and black cherry are counterbalanced by leather, licorice and spice on the nose. The entry on the palate is smooth and rich, with an intensity of dark, jammy fruit that picks up black pepper and a touch of heat on the finish. The tannins are firm, lending complexity and structure to this big, satisfying wine. Pair with a rack of lamb or osso bucco.
Hartford 2009 Zinfandel, Highwire Vineyard, Russian River Valley
California ~ $55
Winemaker’s Notes: Consistently distinctive cracked white pepper nuances differentiate the Highwire single-vineyard Zinfandel from our other Zinfandel bottlings. Concentrated wild blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors complement white pepper, nutmeg and allspice notes in this sought after single vineyard Zinfandel.
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Sauvignon Blanc
I would describe Sauvignon Blanc as a winemaker’s playground. I have tasted so many different interpretations of this varietal that I would love to hear what others find to be appealing. This varietal can be best appreciated on a warm springtime afternoon, sitting on a patio, eating tapas with friends.
Geyser Peak 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $13
Winemaker’s Notes: Luscious, deep scents of lemon grass, grapefruit and passion fruit jump from the glass to proudly proclaim this wine’s varietal. A generous, fruit-forward palate shows juicy citrus flavors of lime and tangerine, balanced by bright, crisp acidity. The pleasant finish persists on the palate with great length of flavor. This is an easy-sipping, eminently drinkable wine that doesn’t sacrifice complexity or varietal character in its quest to be flat-out enjoyable. The perfect aperitif, this wine also makes an ideal partner to oysters and nearly any shellfish, as well as salads and light fish and chicken dishes.
Dry Creek 2011 Fume Blanc
California ~ $14
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2011 Fumé Blanc displays an aromatic symphony that leaves one pondering the truly magical characters of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal. The initial aromas fill the senses with a cacophony of pungent grassy, kaffir lime, citrus, white pepper and classic olive aromas. The palate is framed by refreshing citrus and mineral notes that mingle in wonderful harmony with Meyer lemon, Granny Smith apple and orange zest flavors. The grassy elements repeat on the finish with acidity that is both refreshing and brisk. This incredible new vintage is an ode to our founding and reminds us of how we got our start – a wine that is classically styled and immediately food friendly at an unbelievably fair price.
Sterling Vineyards 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 11
California ~ $14
Winemaker's Notes: Bright, fragrant passion fruit and floral aromas leap from our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. The palate follows with clean, tropical fruit and citrus flavors, touched with a hint of grassiness that reflects the cool conditions of the vintage. Lees stirring lends depth and texture to the palate, accentuating the notes of honeydew through the middle. Grapefruit flavors add a sweet–tart element that rides the long finish, making this wine a perfect companion to a multitude of summer dishes, such as grilled chicken, salads or light pasta dishes.
Zepaltas Wines 2010 Lake County Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $17
Winemaker’s Notes: This wine is meant to be a summertime food wine that is complex, of great value and a pleasure to drink amongst friends. We recommend serving this Sauvignon Blanc with shellfish, tempura, rich cheeses and oysters.
Foppiano Vineyards 2010 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
California ~ $18
Winemaker’s Notes: Bud break came early in 2010 and this vintage was colder than many in Russian River's recent history. Plenty of fog and very little heat filled the summer days. This weather produced an invigorating, New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc with lively acidity and loads of citrus fruit. Aromas of green grass, grapefruit and orange blossoms give way to stone fruit, lemon-lime and clean linen on the palate. A very refreshing, food friendly wine.
J. Lohr 2009 Carol’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $24
Winemaker’s Notes: J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is a pale, youthful,
straw yellow color with a complex aroma of grapefruit, dried flowers,
gun flint and faint herbaceous freshness. On the palate, the wine has
excellent weight and bright acidity with clean fruit flavors reminiscent
of the aromas. Serve at 45 to 50 degrees.
Twomey Cellars 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $25
Winemaker’s Notes: Our 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc has as a light golden hay color with green edges. The aromatics burst forth with sweet custard apple, green melon and lemongrass notes accentuated by hints of fresh guava, candied pineapple, cream and brioche. On the palate, flavors of bright lime peel and citrus combine with hints of vanilla custard and grapefruit pith. The wine has ample weight on the mid-palate with a bright acid backbone supporting a creamy richness and notes of pie crust, leading to a clean crisp lingering finish.
Rochioli 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $26
Winemaker’s Notes: This wine is fifty - four percent from the original Sauvignon Blanc vineyard planted in 1959. Thirty - six percent is from our twenty - six year old hillside vineyard and ten percent is from our newest planting of a very special and rare clone. Only 10 percent of this blend is barrel aged to add complexity and round texture. The rest is tank fermented to preserve its intense varietal character and firm acidity. 1790 cases were produced.
Brander Vineyards 2009 au Naturel Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $32
Winemaker’s Notes: Our top of the line estate Sauvignon Blanc is hand-tended and aged in stainless steel. 24 hour skin contact gives the wine a complexity while letting the wine remain light and clean. This elegant Sauvignon Blanc stays true to the varietal with notes of light apple, feminine perfume and a freshness that will let you keep pondering this intricate wine sip after sip.
Duckhorn Vineyards 2010 Napa Valley’s Marlee’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $35
Winemaker’s Notes: The aromas are rich and complex with layers of pear, papaya, lemon meringue, coconut and banana cream pie. The entry is bright and crisp with an intriguing interplay between subtle tropical notes and wild citrus flavors derived from the natural yeast fermentation, all culminating in a long, mineral-filled finish.
Matanzas Creek 2010 Helena Bench Sauvignon Blanc
California ~ $38
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2010 Helena Bench Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc we have produced from our Knights Valley vineyard at the base of Mt. St. Helena in Sonoma County. Part of an alluvial riverbed of sand and gravel, this vineyard is influenced by the cooling effects of the Mountain which contribute rich aromas of exotic fruit and grapefruit and an underlying mineral streak.
I realize there are amazing Sauvignon Blancs coming from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chili and many more. Being that I'm from California, this is just a humble sampling of my tastes. Again, I'm looking forward to branching out to experience other regions and parts of the world through wine! I look forward to hearing which wines you find irresistible!
Cheers!
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