This weekend's feature varietal is Sauvignon Blanc. It originated in the Loire Valley in France, but most recently New Zealand has come to the fore as one of the best producers of this varietal (according to my palate). Sauv. Blanc is generally refreshing, crisp, offers a good dose of acidity and many different notes on the nose and palate depending on the terroir. Regardless, it is an excellent choice as we move into the sweltering, steamy summer days &/or nights.
WHITES
597708 Chateau Coucheroy 2005 (Bordeaux, France) $17.95 The white wine producers of Bordeaux blend Sauv. Blanc with Semillon. This blending results in whites with more complexity and character. This one has a touch of spice on the palate and a floral nose. I think it would be great with a creamy seafood pasta.
340208 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (California) $15.95 This is a ballsy - without being a ball-breaker - sauv. blanc with strong citrus notes.
976514 Marques de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Spain) $14.95 Pineapple and peach dominate the palate and grass and asparagus dominate the nose. Great value here!
32771 Grove Mill Riesling 2006 (New Zealand) $15.95 This is lemony, fresh with a juicy mouth feel. Medium length and slightly off-dry.
REDS
935460 Raimat Abadia Crianza 2003 (Spain) $15.95 Rose and I thought this one was GREAT! Wood and tobacco on the nose with baked plums on the palate. YUM!
640888 Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Carmenere 2004 (Chile) $14.95 The grassy/caper nose gives way to plums and smoke. It is great tasting and a great value.
965830 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Australia) $17.95 Eucalyptus and mint on the nose, then dark berries and chocolate on the palate. Sounds like a good chocolate truffle, doesn't it?
917864 Brigadera Valpolicella Classico 2004 (Veneto, Italy) $15.95 A classic, well-priced Italian table wine with olive, chocolate and prunes on the nose. It is medium-bodied and will go well with medium-bodied foods.
32441 Matua Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2006 (New Zealand) $19.95 A great blend of cherries and oak. A fine pinot at that price-point.
965921 Kunde Zinfandel 2002 (Sonoma, California) $19.95 Blackberries dominate this big wine - that is smooth, not over-powering.
>$20
26245 Sandrone Dolcetto D'Alba 2005 (Piedmont, Italy) $20.95 This wine has a slight "glue" nose that was a bit alarming at first - but the first sip brought about an elegant, well-made, flavourful wine.
35808 Chateau L'Enclos Bonis 2003 (Bordeaux, France) $22.95 This is a good value pick for your cellar. The good tannins will mellow in 4-8 years and you will be rewarded with great fruit action - sour cherry and blackcurrant.
36145 Chateau Les Grands Marechaux 2003 (Bordeaux, France) $24.95 This is a very "classy" quaffer for the price. It tastes quite elegant with delicate fruits and a soft, mellow nose. Drink sooner than later.
ALP Rose & Karen
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