Part 1 – WHITES
2007 Greg Norman Estates Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
The 2007 vintage proved to be a stellar year for Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. The fruit came in evenly ripe, with luscious, up-front tropical flavors. This Chardonnay begins with the aromas of pineapple and lemon zest. Forward tropical fruit flavors greet the palate and are highlighted by notes of vanilla and hints of spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and luscious and the wine finishes clean and refreshing. $13
2007 Alondra Middleridge Ranch Mendocino Chardonnay
Alondra is Spanish for Skylark, the wine company established by John Lancaster and Robert Perkins, who run the wine program at Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco. Their 2007 Chardonnay from Middleridge Ranch Vineyard in Mendocino is a cool customer with a bracing mineral bent, a beautiful balance and a seductive scent of ripe pear and tropical fruit. No oak gives this Mendocino County Chardonnay a light, lean profile, which makes it wonderfully versatile. Serve with chilled shrimp, steamed clams or grilled fish. $16
2007 Bergstrom Winery Dr. Bergstrom Willamette Valley Riesling
From Wine Spectator: “Soft and off-dry, with peach, mineral and floral-spice aromas and flavors, lingering on the gentle finish. “Dr. Bergstrom” Riesling marries fruit from four different vineyard sources. The resulting wine’s rich perfume displays lychee, quince, toasted marshmallow and citrus aromas. In the mouth, the wine is ripe and viscous, with the tropical and citrus fruit at the forefront, lifted by bright acidity and just a kiss of sweetness. Great with spicy dishes and seafood. $26
2006 Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Cotes de Tablas Blanc
A blend in the style of French Cotes du Rhone whites, using four estate-grown white Rhône varietals: Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. Spicy aromas of herbs, stone fruits and minerals are followed in the mouth by apricot flavors, rich texture, bright acidity, and a long, clean peachy finish. As with all Tablas Creek wines, the grapes for their Côtes de Tablas Blanc were grown on their 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard. $18
2007 Chateau Ste Michelle – Dr. Loosen “Eroica” Riesling
The 2007 Eroica Riesling, made in collaboration with the Dr. Loosen estate in Germany’s Mosel region, is light to medium straw-colored with fragrant aromas of spring flowers, mineral, and honeysuckle. Crisp and just off-dry, in a Kabinett style, it delivers flavors of melon and pineapple. The wine is balanced and vibrant and may well evolve for several years in the manner of a top German Mosel Kabinett. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-7 years.” 91 Points from Robert Parker and a Smart Buy designation. $20
2006 Saint M Riesling, Germany
Chateau Ste. Michelle is the largest producer of Riesling in the world, has commissioned 85,000 cases of Riesling to be made in Germany by its partner, Dr. Ernst Loosen, one of the most respected names in German wine production. The wine, called Saint M, is made by Loosen in the warm Pfalz region. This is a well-made, straightforward off-dry wine with lots of fresh fruit flavors — tart and sweet ripe peaches with a hint of apple. It has only 11 percent alcohol, making it a good cocktail wine, as well as a fine choice for light dishes and soft, mild cheeses. $12
2006 Beringer Single Vineyard Stanly Ranch Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay
One of Carneros’ landmark properties and site of Louis Martini’s early experiments with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Stanly Ranch remains a top source for those varieties. Beringer has approached it with a clean, straightforward style: fresh citrus and golden apple with a moderate weight and a pleasing lift from the cooler, wetter 2006 harvest. Well-made single-vineyard Chardonnay at a reasonable price. $18
Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008
Medium straw color with a hint of peach, white pear, flowers, and orange citrus fruit aromas – similar to Viognier. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed. On the palate the wine is dry, smooth textured, and layered. This nicely balanced wine features a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Best enjoyed in the next 2 years. A wonderful pairing with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood – especially cold crab.The Crios de Susana Balbo label has rapidly become synonymous with great value. $13
2007 Valminor, Albariño
A light yellow gold color. Fruity aromas of apple, apricot and melon, with a hint of citrus. Fresh flavors with a dry, rounded acidity, resulting in a balanced wine that boasts an opulent taste with elegant aromas. Great with rich foods or just by itself.International Wine Cellar gave it 88 points. $17
Von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtropfchen Kabinett 2006
A tasty Riesling from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany, a fruitbomb of exotics such as pineapple, banana and peach. Laced with guava, papaya and pineapple notes. Backed by a firm structure. Picks up stone and pepper accents by the finish. Fine length.
Pair with smoked salmon or trout, Asian spiced dishes with a light soya sauce, chicken dishes with a creamy sauce, pasta with shrimps or fish with a creamy sauce or a beurre blanc. Drink now through 2022. $20
Next time: Part 2
