Cloudy
Bay Sauvignon Blanc ’06 ($27.50). Many
retail wine merchants will tell you that one of their most frequently
asked questions is "Do you have any Cloudy Bay?" Tastings has
one case, but probably by the time we order more, we won’t
be able to get it. It is definitely the most famous wine to come
out of New Zealand, and is responsible for many others making sauvignon
blanc in that country. It has a unique flavor and freshness and
is perfect on a warm, sunny day. Vintages may vary, but they are
always exceptionally good. It usually has lemony scents at first,
but as it is drunk all kinds of changes occur with aromas of flowers
and fruit. It’s soft but acidic (what sauvignon blanc is supposed
to be). It will keep longer than many whites if properly cellared.
It’s bright, fresh, and lively with a pale straw green color—a
true gem!
Cartlidge
and Browne Sauvignon Blanc ’05 ($11.50). This is
a wonderful wine for the price -- a true sauvignon blanc with aromas
of sweet citrus, kiwi, and perhaps a little pineapple. It is soft,
juicy, with a crisp core of citrus. Just a refreshing summer sipper
with a nice touch of lime and grapefruit.
DaVinci
Reserve Chianti Classico ($16.80). This is 100% sangiovese
from Tuscany. It is a clear, purple/red spicy wine with
good depth. Aromas are of cherries, plums, and some flowers,
especially violets.
It is well balanced and great with pastas, and comes from
Leonardo’s
home town of Vinci. Any time you want a good chianti, make sure
it is labeled "classico."
Zig
Zag Zin ’04 ($16.80). This zinfandel has aromas of
ripe plum, licorice, and toasted oak. Zig Zag first drew the Tastings
team to the name, but after tasting it, we felt that it is a really
good bargain too. It is medium bodied with several berry flavors;
bold, but smooth. Zinfandel is one of the best wines to take to
a party because its fruit and spiciness go with a lot of different
foods such as cajun, Mexican, Italian, and even BBQ.
