Charles Smith Eve Chardonnay 2015
Crafted with native yeast, 20% of which goes through malolactic fermentation, the 2015 Charles Smith Eve Chardonnay is uniform and varietally correct on the nose and palate with attractive aromas of bosc pear, yellow apple, and banana cream pudding. Crisp and bright on the palate, the acidity is slightly softened by six months of aging […]
Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay 2015
A suffusion of smokey minerals, creme brûlée, toasted coconut flake, mandarin and grilled pineapple. Talbott’s 2015 Kali Hart Chardonnay is made from the winery’s Sleepy Hollow estate vineyard, a hillside parcel that is relatively close to the Pacific Ocean—where cool maritime breezes lend a moderating effect. The effect of this microclimate on the palate is […]
Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2016
A household staple in the Pacific Northwest, Kung Fu Girl Riesling is crafted from sustainably farmed grapes grown in Washington State’s newest AVA, Ancient Lakes. On opening, vivid aromas of white peach, pear, lemongrass, and lemon drop lead into a wine with peppy acidity that adds lift to a white-fruited core. There’s nice length on […]
Galicia Mare Tămâioasă Românească 2016
On the day we visited Galicia Mare, the winery still under construction, it was frigidly cold-wind whipped, we huddled around a table just inside the barrel aging room, the doors left open the afternoon sunlight to filter in. It was difficult to taste at these temperatures, this bottle-Tămâioasă Românească or Romanian Muscatel, glinted pale gold […]
Ferraton Pere & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc 2016
A winsome blend of 60% White Grenache and 40% Clairette grown in clay lime soils, the 2016 Ferraton Pere & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc has a subtle nose of pear and dried yellow apple, followed by a lilting top note of jasmine. It’s soft on entry, with flavors that match the nose, save […]
Prophecy Pinot Grigio 2016
The color of pale green straw, like fresh alfalfa, the sort I used to buy for my sheep (when I had sheep, but that was a lifetime ago) the 2016 Prophecy Pinot Grigio is deliciously, lightly herbaceous, with wafting aromas of green apple and pear, and a twist of lemon zest. It’s easy drinking, turning […]
Prophecy Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Thoughts turn gently to spring. Prophecy’s 2016 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc hits all the right notes, with layered aromas of freshly cut grass, pine resin, white grapefruit pith, and lime zest. It’s quite fresh and refreshing on the palate with plenty of acidic lift. Minerality emerges at the tail end of the finish, adding depth to […]
Golan Heights Winery Mount Hermon White 2016
Breezy notes of orange blossom, white peach, and Opal apples. It’s crisp and fresh on the palate, with a burst of lemon-tinged acidity that promises springtime as it gracefully unwinds to a leisurely finish. Lots of drinking pleasure in this modestly-priced white blend of Muscat Canelli, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier from Galilee. 13.5% ABV | […]
Lubanzi Chenin Blanc 2016
Here’s a wine with a philanthropic twist. With the pledge to give back 50% of the profits to the hands that made it, Lubanzi is a relatively new brand—conceived of, and launched by two friends who met while studying abroad as exchange students at the University of Cape Town. Their first release, a 100% Chenin […]
Galil Mountain Winery Upper Galilee Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Continuing my tour through Galil Mountain’s current releases, this lean and linear Sauvignon Blanc from Upper Galillee offers up a bouquet of lemon blossom, d’Anjou pear, and green apple. On the palate, an arching acid spine of pure white grapefruit, lemon pith, cress, and limestone. 13.5% ABV | Sample Galil Mountain Winery 8.9 Points