The following white wines are well
suited for upcoming holiday dining.
Though dry, they may not be bone dry. Their full-flavored fruit
helps in the
festive food pairings.
Chance Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Redwood Valley 2002
Price $14.99
Rating 89
This pleasant white offers nuances of tropical fruit and mineral
within a
concentrated framework of crisp citrus. It is more fruit driven
than
herbaceous. The winemaker suggests pairing this white wine with
rich seafood
such as salmon or crabcakes. This wine recently received the Authentic
Food
Artisan seal of recognition of recognition from the national Whole
Foods
Market. The AFA program recognizes products that are made in accordance
to
the highest standards of traditional method.
Moon Mountain Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Edna Valley 2002
Price $16 Rating 89 A more classic, perhaps Bordeaux-inspired,
blend of 75% sauvignon blanc and
25% semillon with pleasant flavors of fresh fig, hints of honey.
There are
aromas of melon, fresh herbs and minerals. "This wine will
complement a wide
range of herbed and spiced dishes," suggests winemaker Randall
Watkins. "We
particularly enjoy this wine with Pacific Rim and Mediterranean
cuisine, but
it is also delightful in traditional pairings with Chevre or oysters."
Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, Australia 2002
Price $16.99
Rating 93
Vibrant aromas of melon, citrus and a touch of poblano pepper,
then flavors
of luscious melon, lemon citrus with delicate pepper/spice and
candied
orange peel are all found in this long finishing white wine.
JackaRoo Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia 2001
Price $6.99
Rating 88
Bright flavors of candied orange, pear, apple and more citrus
are found in
this medium lengthed wine. This white is a wonderful value at
the price.
Sticks Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Australia 2002
Price $16.99
Rating 89
Aromas of ripe, almost candied apple, then flavors of apple, pear
and melon
with floral in the finish of this inviting white wine.
Giesen Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
2002
Price: $12
Rating: 92
The aroma is delicate grapefruit and gooseberry/pimento. The sip
offers a
resounding meld of the classic green pepper, grapefruit/citrus,
and sweet
red pepper. This beautiful wine is luscious and balanced, probably
the best
white wine value from New Zealand.
Handley Cellars Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley 2002
Price: $14
Rating: 90
"The Handley Cellars 2002 Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer
is a beautiful
example of a fine, terroir-driven wine," boasts winemaker
Deny Dudzik. "It
possesses the finesse, elegance, and structure of Alsace-grown
Gewürztraminer, but offers a profile that is uniquely Anderson
Valley, with
fragrant honeysuckle and candied fruit aromas mingling with exotic
flavors
of lychee and mandarin orange.
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