2011 Chappellet ‘Signature’ Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley
Bright straw color. The floral nose delivers ample complex aromas of honeysuckle, sweet lemon, freshly cut pineapple and hints of vanilla and nuts. Fermented dry, the wine gains a viscous creamy edge in the mouth, a result of barrel fermentation…. Read more
2012 J Vineyards Pinot Gris, California
Utilizing special blocks of Pinot Gris from around California, the J bottling has quickly established itself as the best-selling high-end Pinot Gris in America — and this vintage will not disappoint. Brilliant light straw color. Perfumed aromas of… Read more
2010 Clos Marie L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc, France
Half Syrah and half Grenache, this value vino picks up a certain savoriness from the vineyard, which is not far from the ocean’s salty breeze. But whereas Clos Marie’s Manon white bottling shows more of a saline quality, this savoriness merely… Read more
2012 Sbragia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
Clear light straw color. Floral aromas of white flowers, citrus blossom and cotton lead to scents of lemon, grapefruit and fleshier tropical fruits. The wine is juicy on the palate, showing sweet/tart citrus with a touch of green apple. The sweet… Read more
2011 Pierre Gonon Chasselas, Rhone Valley, France
The northern Rhone Valley is known for its red wines, and so white wines from the region are already a bit of an anomaly. Make it a wine made from the Chasselas grape, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Pierre Gonon’s 2011 offering was… Read more
2006 Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva, Spain
Intense and vivid, with cool summer berries and warm American oak, this Rioja Reserva is a relative steal at the price. Acidic strawberries keep things lively, while deeper, darker elements of forest pine and damp mushrooms add depth and savor…. Read more
2012 Storm Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley
Strongly scented and effusive, this miniscule-batch Sauvignon Blanc offers up a spring bouquet of orchids, pear tart and tropical mixed fruit. Almost more pleasing to smell than sip, it’s well balanced and exceedingly drinkable on a hot California… Read more
2011 J. Lohr ‘Fog’s Reach’ Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, Monterey
Nearly transparent light ruby, picking up some pink at the rim. The nose is full of jammy strawberry and raspberry fruit, joined by whiffs of sweet vanilla and white pepper. Well balanced with nuanced oak shadings, the wine offers bright red fruit… Read more
2011 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia
Nearly transparent garnet color, with orange shadings, lightening at the rim. The nose has notes of smoked oak and dried orange peelings that frame delicate, perfumed cranberry and sour cherry fruit. The wine is feminine and silky in the mouth,… Read more
2011 Frisk ‘Prickly’ Grenache, Lodi
This off-dry rosé, made from 100% Grenache grapes, shows a vibrant salmon color with glints of light orange. Strong fruit aromas of buttered strawberry, red cherry and banana lead to a juicy explosion of fresh fruit salad in the mouth…. Read more
