From the king of New Zealand comes another reliably charming wine – capped with a screwtop, no less. Its green grass aromas give way to dry, crisp acidity, ripe Granny Smith apples, zingy lime and plenty of refreshing grapefruit. The 2008 trumps previous vintages.
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Reviews of whites wines
The Crusher 2007 Viognier California
Viognier [VEE oh NYAY] is a finicky, difficult grape to nail down. The French version tastes austere and steely but smells like blooming jasmine. California viognier, however, often has a slight sweetness and intense floral aromas, like in this wine. Perfumey wafts of orange blossoms lead into rich, ... Read More »
Mondavi Solaire 2007 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
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Peter Lehmann 2008 Layers Adelaide
For those looking for a sweeter, softer ride, this smooth sipper from Australia’s Adelaide Hills is like a Porsche with loose suspension. A complex blend of five grapes ranging from the racy, spicy gewürztraminer grape to earthy sémillon, it’s evocative and full of fruit. Peaches, vanilla and ... Read More »
Dry Creek Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
Also labeled Fume Blanc, it denotes the same grape. More elegant and supple than many of its brethren, this sauvignon blanc refreshingly lacks the grassy, saliva-producing tartness of others. I could drink this smooth, melon and soft citrus sipper all day long. And have. Mouth-filling gulps of kiwi ... Read More »
Matanzas Creek 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma
Sauvignon blanc is a bit of a chameleon. In a cool region, it’s green and grapefruity, but grow it in a warmer climate and blend in a bit of softer, creamy sauvignon musque and you get this wine. Soft, elegant and honeyed, with a green herby follow up. Lovely and
... Read More »Brandal 2007 Albarino Rias Baixas
Mmm… white wine in the winter. Might seem counter-intuitive but a crisp tongue tingle can revive a dull day. Albarino, a grape from a cold, rainy region in northwest Spain called Rias Baixas, delivers the energy. This version is similar to sauvignon blanc in texture, light-hearted with tart lime ... Read More »
La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Monterey
Monterey is a cooler climate area south of California’s San Francisco, where grapes enjoy basking in the chilly air of Monterey Bay. It’s a perfect region for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, producing austere, citrus and tropical fruit flavors like in this La Crema example. Creamy ... Read More »
Erath 2006 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley
Pinot Blanc is one of those obscure grapes people hear about but don’t get to taste very often. Originally from the Alsace region in France, the grape sports tart acidity and citrus but tastes full bodied like a chardonnay. This Oregon version has pear, lime and green herb flavors with
... Read More »Sterling 2007 Organic Chardonnay Mendocino
Refreshingly different with steely lime, green apple and crisp pear. Made using 90 percent stainless steel, 10 percent French oak. 3 stars out of 5 Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13
... Read More »Buena Vista 2005 Chardonnay Ramal Vineyard
An oaked wine the way it should be: Subtle. Has a slight aroma of popcorn and the flavor is rich with roasted pears and a lemony finish.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $32
... Read More »Marrimiero 2006 Anima Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
A beautiful, fruity aroma floats from the glass: bananas soaked in pure vanilla. On the tongue, smooth banana follows, along with elegant white peaches, a dash of citrus and a gorgeous lasting finish. Might be tough to find but worth the effort.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10
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