Pro+mis+Q+ous - NV

12.5% alcohol. White California Table Wine made from Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.


TASTING NOTES:


Light yellow color with aromas and flavors of apple, pear, citrus, banana, melon and honey.  Crisp, clean easy drinking.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


88 PTS
What a steal! For $10 this is a fantastic white wine that is a notch above "simple."  There's just a enough going on here to be intriguing.  I love the great blend of unique white varietals that yield a lively wine in the glass.

LA CANA ALBARINO - 2010

Rias Baixas.  100% Albarino from Spain.  A Jorge Ordonez Selection.  13% alcohol.


TASTING NOTES:


Lovely gold-green color with aromas of peaches, white raisins, lemon and flowers.  On the palate, bright flavors of banana, peach, citrus, pear, lychee and minerals.  


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


91 PTS
If it has Jorge Ordonez on the bottle it must be good. That saying rings true more often than not.  This is a delightful, fresh and delicious white that retails for $13.  Fermented in stainless steel it is vibrant and alluring. Highly recommend.

MURRIETA'S WELL THE WHIP - 2009

From Livermore Valley. 12.5% alcohol.  Made from 43% Semillon, 21% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Viognier, 7% Muscat Canelli, 5% Gewurztraminer, 3% Orange Muscat


TASTING NOTES:


Golden yellow color with aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, orange blossoms, peach, honey, and gobs of butterscotch and caramel creaminess on the clean finish.  Good acidity, crisp, complex, and balanced.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


89+ PTS
This is a terrific, intriguing wine that has a deliciousness to it right from the start.  A great blend of white varietals makes this an easy thumbs up for only $17 a bottle. 

ROSENBLUM ROCKPILE ROAD ZINFANDEL - 2008

14.5% alcohol.  Dry Creek Valley, CA


TASTING NOTES:


Dark red color with lots of vanilla oak. Not as muscular as expected. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry-raspberry, black currant and mocha.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


87 PTS
I've always loved this Zinfandel, but this vintage falls short.  It is thinner and not as vibrant as prior years.  The alcohol is showing through and it left me yearning more richness.  At $30 a bottle, this falls very short of expectations.