2002 Jekel Monterrey Riesling
$ (11.00)
A solid wine that offers a host
of green apple, apricot and peach flavors with a clean finish and a nice
balance of acidity. Pad Thai
and Asia style dishes will be very friendly to this wine.
2002 Omaha Springs Sauvignon Blanc
$ (17.99)
A citrus wine with nice crispness on the finish. A good wine for the
variety of non-meat dishes we enjoyed Christmas Eve. However, this New Zealand
product leaned more to the lemons and less towards the grapefruit on the palate.
2002 Jekel Monterrey Riesling $ (11.00)
A solid wine that offers a host
of green apple, apricot and peach flavors with a clean finish and a nice
balance of acidity. Pad Thai
and Asia style dishes will be very friendly to this wine.
Sula
Vineyards Chenin Blanc - India's first Chenin
Blanc is perfect for a summer evening. This delightful cold fermented
wine in stainless steel vats is finished in a semi-dry New World style. Its
light, fresh and fruity character makes it an excellent aperitif.
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2001 Mills
Reef Sauvignon Blanc Reserve $
(11.99) A ripe, herbaceous style Sauvignon Blanc, that delivers a
nose of cat pee and flavors of melon and lime.
French oak adds complexity. A mouth filling dry wine with a creamy-smooth
finish.
2002 Dry
Creek Chenin Blanc $
(8.99)
Easy drinking white wine is the best way to describe this as nothing
exciting happened on the nose or on the palate.
Peach and citrus flavors were available but seemed muted.
It was ok with the salmon, but not overly creative.
2002 Jewel
Sauvignon Blanc ?
This California SB shows a powerful citrus base and a clean crisp finish.
Not as deep as a NZ SB but a good, structured wine.
2002 Caves des Papes Heritage Blanc Cotes-du-Rhone
$ (8.99)
For some reason, I have less tolerance for uneventful white wines.
This blend of Grenache, Clairette, Bourboulen, Viognier, Rousanne and
Marsanne seems lifeless. One
would think this combination would offer more depth and flavors
2003 Forefeathers Sauvignon Blanc
$ (11.99) This offers up a great example of the Marlborough region of NZ.
Fresh, crisp, citrus-packed and a great wine to enjoy chilled on a
hot, muggy evening in the summertime.
2002 Lawson Ranch Sauvignon Blanc
$ (12.99)
In my limited experience, I am not a fan of California SBs.
They do not carry the zest and crispness of the New Zealand SBs.
I say that with limits as I have not tasted a large volume of SBs,
but I’m leaning heavily away from California on this grape.
2002 Rancho Zabaco
Sauvignon Blanc $
(9.99)
Though the nose showed promise, there was little excitement and less snap in
this wine. My suggestion is to
keep it around the house in case you spill some red wine and do not have any
WinoStuff’s Magical Red Wine Stain Removing Elixir left.
2002
Selaks Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc $
(11.99)
Though this wine hails from Marlborough in NZ, it offers a mild
example of the lemon, herbaceous, crisp nature made world famous in the
region. A good example but not
one I would brag to friends about when extolling the virtues of what they
are capable of producing.
2003
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc $ (8.99)
This is a solid, fun white wine with snappy, crisp citrus and a good
clean finish. I will be
drinking a large quantity of this over the summer.
2003 Spy Valley
Sauvignon Blanc $
(11.99)
The nose is great but the wine drinks thin, I had hopes of a citrus bowl in
a field but got watery lemon juice and mowed lawn.
2002
Rock River Winery Sauvignon Blanc
$ (10.99)
Other than the great nose on this wine, forget about it.
Sniff away and enjoy the citrus, grass and gooseberry nose, but it
evaporates before it reaches your lips.
2000
Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc $
(8.00)
Stick with their Cab and Malbec. They do those well but this
was a big disappointment.
2002
Gallo Twin Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
$ (4.99)
It is
wine and it has alcohol and gooseberry, but this will not fall into the
"Find of the Year" category for me.
And I was really attracted to Gina Gallo; I was hoping to start up an
email friendship.
1999
Inniskillin Riesling Reserve
$ (24.99)
A glass full of
yellow-greenish hue liquid tumbled into my glass and I swirled and sniffed a
bunch of citrus aromas of lemon drops, grapefruit, and lime.
A touch of flint and apricots spiked the finish of this tangy, tart,
and youthful wine.
2000
Morganhof Sauvignon Blanc $
(7.99)
This wine poured out golden yellow and delivered a good representation of
the mineral, flint, tart crisp SBs of South Africa.
Well chilled, this went very nicely with my rotisserie turkey loin
baked at 325 for 65 minutes and oriental vegetable medley.
2002
Gatao Verde $ (6.99)
A fine example of this
Northern Portugal Vinho Verde “green wine”, though not my style.
A light slightly sparkling, low alcohol blend of white grapes with
subtle citrus and green apple notes.
Chill and drink on a summer day as a light refreshing complement to
shellfish.
2002
Grgich Hills Fume Blanc $ (16.99)
This wine is a great complement to fish, many styles of fish and offers a
clean zesty citrus flavor with a refreshing finish.
2001
Agro de Bazan Granbazan-Amber $ (14.99)
A great companion to the seafood world, as one might find this sleek
bottle netted along with the bottle nose dolphin as the Spanish fishing
fleet trawls the Atlantic. Crisp,
clean and flavorful with the right balance to heighten the flavors of sea
bass or shellfish.
2001
Brancott Sauvignon Blanc
$ (14.00)
This
is a great, crisp, snappy wine with a
rich balance of grapefruit, gooseberry and green pepper.
Supported by fresh acidity, a mineral and flinty finish.
2002 4
Sisters Winery Vidal Blanc $ (8.99)
Not my style but this is a real fun summer wine for the women. Chill well and the hint of sweetness and the crisp finish
will delight the crowd on a hot, hazy August afternoon.
1999
Schlor Weingut Schwartz Riesling Spatlese
gift
As red wines go, this one delivers a nice mix of tobacco, dark fruit and a
soft finish. Somewhat sweet on
the nose but dry on the palate and brawny enough to handle grilled shell
steak.
2000
Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc $ (15.99)
For me, this wine lacks the snap and zest one would expect from a grape
style that should make your mouth pucker.
Much softer than expected.
1998
Caymus Conundrum $
(21.00)
As white wines go, this is one for those wanting big but not buttery. A harmony of fruit with an elegant finish suited well for
baked salmon.
2000 Covey Run Sauvignon
Blanc $ (8.99)
Refreshing
lime, a hint of gooseberry with generous herb and a clean snappy finish.
This is a wine served well chilled on a hot summer afternoon. A nice surprise from Washington State.
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1999 Schlink Haus Spatlese
Bereich Nahetal $$(35.00 rest.)
The subtle sweetness and balanced acidity was a great complement to the
pickling marinade in the sauerbraten. A fresh clean finish and pear
undertones made this on a fun wine.
1995
Pierre Sparr Tokay Pinot Gris ? (A gift)
This
aged Tokay pours out golden honey in color with a sweetness of over-ripe
peaches and a creamy soft finish that
is mindful of a Barsac.
2002
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc $
(10.99)
Keep this wine handy for a hazy, hot, humid summer day.
Refreshing citrus flavors with generous amounts of grapefruit and a
crisp clean finish. Serve this
with raw shellfish or lemon chicken and for those looking for a pairing to
chilled asparagus, try this one.
2000 Dr.
Konstantin Frank Johannisberg Riesling, Salmon Run
$ (10.99)
When you look to the Finger Lakes District of NY, think of the Good
Old Doc. He produces good quality Rieslings and Great Ice Wines.
Plenty of peach and tropical fruits, with a good balance of fruit and
acidity that finishes smoothly. Born
in the USA….
2000
Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc $
(9.99)
Kenwood is not just making great stereos these days, they are making
snappy, fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blancs.
Ok, so they aren’t making stereos.
But this is a great summer wine with acidy foods like citrus-based
sauces and vinaigrette dressings. Herbaceous
and Citrus nose with grapefruit, lemon and grassy flavors.
A great summer cooler.
2001
Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc $
(8.99)
Bland, dull, muted, unzesty, this was the anti-Sauvignon Blanc.
There was little of the citrus fruit I was looking for.
2001 Nobilo
Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Fall Harvest $
(10.99)
Dried Summer Grasses waving in a hot
breeze, herbaceous, grapefruit, lime and crisp are words that even a child could
describe in this wine. A great
example of why New Zealand has a rep for Sauvignon Blanc.
This would go great with a lemon sole.
2000 Bodegas
Martin Codax Burgans Albarino $ 11.99
A light, crisp, clean wine which should be served well chilled to ease the acid
and bring forward the apricot, peach and floral aromas of this wine.
Great for summer and seafood.
2000 Pierre
Sparr Gewurztraminer $ 12.99
This wine was a bit sweeter than expected, but did show a nice array of
grapefruit and pear. I would
consider serving this with a spicy Asian dish.
Kourtaki
Retsina of Attic $
(7.99 1.5 liters)
This wine gives off the aroma of a flat champagne the morning after a
party, then you are greeted with the sent of rosin.
This is an easily detected scent. The
taste of this is overridden by the rosin flavor and after taste.
This could be a fun thing to taste for kicks, but it is hard for me to
imagine drinking this with a meal.
2000
Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling
$
(9.00)
This
wine has a pale gold color and presents a nice mix of apple and honeysuckle with
enough acid to remind me of a Granny Smith.
The sweetness level was a bit high for my liking but it went well with
Sesame Stir fry tofu and rice noodles.
2001
Rosemount Estate Traminer/Riesling $
(6.98)
Honey dominates this sweet wine that carries a floral aroma and sweet
fruity flavor. I would almost
classify this in the dessert wine genre.
2000 Anapamu
Riesling $?
Honeysuckle, and pear with a light-body, medium sweetness and an
early finish. Enjoyable for apple
pie, but overpowered if you add ice cream and whipped cream.
2000 Bonny
Dune Vin de Glaciere $
(20.00)
A great way to end the meal, this wine is delicious with full body
and sweetness to stands up well to desert but is not overpowering.
Enjoyed chilled and in desert wine glasses, this danced with apple pie
alamode, pumpkin pie, and fruits and nuts.
A delightful treat for special occasions.
2000 KWV
Steen $ (7.50)
Not a premium wine, buy this to drink through the hot summer months.
Great value for this wine. Tops
my Porch Wine List…
1999
Dr. Burklin-Wolf Forster Riesling, Kabinett $ (11.50)
1999
Dopff & Irion Crustace $ (7.99)
Rating this on price and value, this is a buy in my book. Clean, zesty,
and with a citrus flavor, this wine has a floral nose and an easy drinkability.
Not a classic, but a great summertime wine.
A great complement to Salmon in Lobster Bisque, it did not shy away from
the sauce.
1999
Nigl Gruner Veltliner $ (18.00)
Young, crisp, clean and refreshing with a zip of citrus flavor.
This is a great complement to grilled fish, lobster and shrimp.
1999 is a great year in Austrian wines.
Enjoy.
1997 Magnotta Winery Vidal Ice Wine $$
27.95 Honey syrup pours into the glass and a
rich vibrant aroma of apricot greets your nose.
A lush weighty wine with honey, apricot and apples with a finish of nut. Not too sweet for a dessert wine, a good compliment to raisin
and cheese babka.
1997 French Ridge Creek Vidal Ice Wine
? (Gift) Mild pineapples, citrus and
apple nose and an acidic after taste. A
mild amount of fruit and sweetness arrive as the oxidation changes this in the
glass. Short finish.
Bonny
Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere $$ (35.00)
Sweetness with an apricot nose and a pear flavor that will finish a meal as a
perfect compliment to dessert. A golden-yellow nectar to satisfy your sweet
tooth.
1998
Trimbach Pinot Blanc $ (9.00)
A lean, crisp, clean wine, this can be enjoyed as an aperitif.
Not much aroma.
Mild citrus fruit.
This would be an excellent wine to accompany shellfish.
1997
Pierre Sparr Tokay Pinot Gris
?$
Dark gold, full-bodied with a long finish.
Honey and spice make me want to get a cough, just to drink this wine as
a soothing, flavorful, opulent beverage. This
would be great on a cold winter's night in front of a fire after a nice meal.
Sweet and fruity.
1998
Trimbach Gewürztraminer $ (19.00)
Pale Yellow in color with a grapefruit and peach aroma.
This wine was clean and crisp with a dry finish.
The mild spiciness of this grape went well with my Pad Pac, what ever
that is. Pleasant, and
not too sweet.
1994
Mumm "DVX"
- DVX is Mumm's vintage-denoted Sparkling Wine.
The bottle was chilled to
about 45-50 degrees and proved to be a solid California offering. A
slightly toasted color coupled with a blend of pears, green apples and dates
covers your palate. The finish was
crisp with no hint of "bite" or large
bubbles that often accompany some California entries in this space.
This
bottle was served with the hors d'oeuvre plate which included Brie, Duck
Pate', mixed nuts and Carr's Table Water Crackers.
Perfect selection for
this course. Rated 90
Price $35-40 WinoHondo
1999 French Creek Ridge Gewurztraminer $
(11.00)
This is a grape I have little experience with, so
after tasting this wine, I looked up in the World Encyclopedia of Wine the
properties of this grape. What
French Creek Ridge produced fell far short of the floral, spicy rich character
this grape should display. In the
right hands, this can produce a wine with fruit and sweetness like a dessert
style; but if not picked at the right times, it can be muddy and unfocused. The word unfocused rings true to this one.
Acidic, pale, thin and the scent of “Beer” have this one not making
its way to my Thanksgiving dessert cart.
1998
French Creek Ridge Viognier
Though
the bottle boasts that Pennsylvania will soon be the Rhone of the United States,
that will not happen in my wine drinking days.
Viognier is a backbone white grape of the Rhone Region and should be
refreshingly floral and fruity. The
disappointment with this wine comes from its short length on aroma and taste.
The hint is there, but it fades quickly and leaves a watery taste behind.
Francis
Coppola 1998 Bianco $ (8.95)
 
(1.5 drunken mice buddies and cheese eaters.) A California blended white.
This is a good wine for under 10 bucks and would go fine on a hot Sunday
afternoon. This wine is made from a
blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat and Malvasia.
Malvasia, what in the hell kind of grape is that?
Mr. C must have had his winemaker up at one of those Hollywood parties
and the dreamed this one up at 2 AM . It
is a fresh, fruity taste and a lunch in the park with some Brie and bread would
find this a way to refresh you.
Langtry
White Meritage 1997 $
(16.00)
This was an enjoyable wine, low
acidity and good fruit. Its color
was golden and it lasted long. A
definite keeper for the white wine lovers in the house, well the ones that come
visit. I never heard the word
synergy used in relationship to wine, but the combination of these grapes in
whatever percent (not spelled out on the label) made this the perfect compliment
to my dinner. Thank you Lillie.
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