Hangups? I've got plenty, but don't worry - I'm not about to start using this column as therapy. But when I pick up a bottle of wine and the alcohol content is listed as more than 14%, a whole host of prejudices kick in. Is this going to be an
Like the front lawn on a summer day. Cut grass and tropical fruits show on the nose. The palate has grass, pineapple, then mango. The finish adds lingering lemon. Remarkably bright and fresh, this will contrast well with foods prepared with mayo. Pair with lobster rolls. Recommended. 88 points. WHO:
If you’ve always thought Sylvaner was simply a junk grape used to ensure that bottles of cheap German and Alsatian white blends are never half-empty, take a trip to the little town of Mittelbergheim in the center of Alsace, where there are 25 wineries but only about 600 residents. Then
Interesting and elusive nose, first mango, then apple, then a melange of tropical fruit, all with butter in the background. The palate is all tropical fruits, mango and fried plantain, baked pineapple and butter. Mouth-feel is smooth, round, with just a hint of zingy freshness. Drink with a Cobb Salad.
The aromas of apples and pears baking in a pie waft up from the glass. This is pillow-soft on the palate. All the flavors are just as soft, showing baked fruit, cantaloupe, butter and a bit of vanilla. The finish lingers quite a while. Drink with fried catfish and coleslaw.
Aromatic white flowers give this Chardonnay a unique and lovely signature. The nose shows apples and magnolias. Pears and apples lead on the palate, some melon shows on the mid, all with white florals running throughout. Some citrus makes an appearance toward the finish, sweet Meyer lemon with a tart
I feel as though I need to whisper this, but I think that yeast might be trendy. The furor (both supportive and critical) over natural wine is bleeding over into an interest in the “wild” yeasts that contribute to their distinction, and whether or not they're really “wild.” Meanwhile, a
Butter, vanilla, and apples show on the nose. Butter, toast, and apple, in that order, show on the palate. Some lime shows on the finish. Drink with baked chicken and peaches. Recommended. 86 points. WHO: Rodney Strong WHAT: Chardonnay WHERE: California, Sonoma County WHEN: 2011 HOW MUCH: $17