Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe’s imported by Bordeaux Etc.
What They Said:
I was able to track down Mountain River Wines, who is responsible for making this one, on the intrawebs but their site still highlights the ‘08 bottling. They have yet to post any notes on the latest vintage. From previous versions it appear [...]
Again with the cheeses – I love this! Whole Foods is outdoing themselves with the cheese recommendations this year. And all really good selections. Here’s what they suggest in the write-up for today’s wine…
We snatched up every case of this bargain Chilean white, bottled by legendary Bordeaux winemakers. Boxwood and exotic fruit with minerality and lean elegance are hints of an extraordinary terroir in the foothills of the Andes. Sip with Oysters or a knob of Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog cheese to bring out its juiciness.
Personal letter to Doug Bell:
Dear Doug,
Please keep including the delicious and clearly hand-picked cheese recommendations. If this were a cheese blog, I would give you very high marks.
Sincerely,
RJ’s Wine Blog
That oughta do it…now off to write my letter to Santa.
Oh wait…there’s a wine this week too, I almost forgot – the 2008 Los Vascos Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc. One of my favorite whites on the Whole Foods Wine Holiday Top Ten List, it’s a cool combination of elements. On the nose, star fruit, blood orange, apricot and minerals, particularly a zinc quality that gives it a nice edge. Minerals continue in the mouth, but the fruit switches to more lemon and grapefruit. Overall, a light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, but just creamy enough that I understand why it was included on a holiday wine list. This is a very nice white to have around in the afternoon as relatives are trickling in for the festivities, right before you switch over to a Pinot Noir.
What you should do: BUY IT! It’s just a nice take on Sauvignon Blanc. Some good complexity, but an easy drinker at the same time. And, given that sweeter wines tend to find their way through the clutter more over the holidays, this was a nice surprise and a drier alternative.
My rating: 88
NOTE: this wine was sent to me as a free sample.
Price: $6.99 @ Trader Joe’s imported by Sauvignon Republic
What They Said:
Per Sauvignon Republic “Ancient shale and granitic soils, ocean breezes, and a favorable exposure result in tropical juicy-fruit flavors with herbal nuances and minerality. Serve with spicy world foods including Southeast Asisan, Indian and New World Hispanic. Citrus notes refresh the palate [...]
Continue reading about 2008 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc
Today is Sunday, which means we aren’t picking, but we are tasting. We rode over to the winery on our motorcycles to taste all the fermentors and see how everything is coming along.
It’s a treat to ride during harvest, as we don’t usually get the time to ride, and even if we [...]
Continue reading about Fermentations means Taste, Taste, Taste!
Price: $8.99 @ K&L Wines imported by Pasternak Wine
What They Said:
Per K&L Wines “90 points in the Wine Spectator: “Vivid, refreshing and brimming with lime-accented pear, star fruit and light vanilla flavors, lingering nicely on the expressive finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported” (April 2009) Meyer lemon, tangerine, lime zest, papaya and pineapple. [...]
LOVED this wine. Not only was it affordable, but it exuded some under-ripe peach notes on the nose and palate…delicious. Most wine is made to drink young and the 2008 Arona is no exception.
Australia cranks out a LOT of beefy reds, but I’ve been very impressed with New Zealand’s whites. Buy a bottle (or three!) of the 2008 Arona Sauvignon Blanc with confidence, it’s joy in a glass on a hot, humid day.
Cheers!
