White Wine

Aug 302012
 
2010 Hook & Ladder Chardonnay , Russian River Valley, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 88

A toasty nose of pineapple with notes of apricot and caramel. The palate offers a rich mouth-feel and soft acidity with flavors of butterscotch, red apple, honey and hints of cinnamon, oaky vanilla and spice. A well made good-value Chardonnay.    Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2010 Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA $22 (S) – Rating 89

100% Chardonnay fermented in both stainless steel and predominately neutral oak. A lovely nose of pear and citrus gives way to soft flavors of apple, citrus and baking spice with notes of pear, vanilla and toasty pie crust. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a roundness to the mouth-feel while maintaining balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Aug 142012
 
2009 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 93

A superb example of Napa Valley Chardonnay with a nose reminiscent of mom’s apple pie, complete with buttered crust and spice. The creamy mouth-feel is balanced with just enough zippy acidity. Flavors of apple, pear, spice, minerality and buttered toast are wonderfully integrated with French oak into a delicious Chardonnay treat. Buy this wine.

Aug 092012
 
2010 Villicana Winery & Vineyard Viognier, Paso Robles, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 88

An invitingly creamy nose that offers the palate crisp flavors of peach, citrus and apple with notes of tangerine and minerality. A round mouth-feel with food friendly mouth-watering acidity.

Aug 092012
 
2010 Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley, CA, $21 (S) – Rating 89

A refreshing summer sipper with a nose of tangerine, pear and peach. Crisp and clean acidity kisses the palate with flavors of citrus, Meyer lemon and melon highlighted by tropical notes. Pairs well with lighter summer fare. Sure to be a party pleaser.