Wines and Beyond

White Wine by Lincourt from Central Coast, California. As is typical, the lion share of this Chardonnay is sourced from Santa Maria Valley's famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, with the balance coming from cool-climate vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills. The Bien Nacido fruit gives the wine its signature tropical fruit aromatics and its lush texture in the mouth. The Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay provides lemon curd and mandarin orange notes, and the acidity to give the wine structure. All of the different lots were whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels. While in oak, the wine completed 100% Malolactic fermentation. Lees were stirred weekly to give the Chardonnay a richer, more opulent mouth feel, and a toasted bread-like bouquet. The crisp acidity and low pH keeps the wine interesting from first sip to last.

White Wine by Bernardus from Central Coast, California. Number 24 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007! One of the best values in California Chardonnay that we've seen in a long time. Bright yellow hue. Shy scents of peach, brown butter and dusty gravel. Rich, quite ripe, though very taut, flavors of buttery banana, lime and oak spice. Very long close positively gushes with stone fruit and apple notes. -The Wine News 95 Points The beautiful weather throughout the critical months of September and October of 2005 provided us with ripe and perfectly balanced fruit. At Bernardus, all our grapes our hand picked and very gently pressed in order to retain their best characteristics. The resulting wine is a perfect expression of Monterey Chardonnay, with bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas married with mineral notes and subtle toasty oak nuances. The lush, opulent palate is intense and focused with complex flavors of ripe pineapple, lime, mineral notes, and creme brulee lingering on a long, creamy finish.

White Wine by Gainey from Central Coast, California. Gainey's Evan's Ranch Vineyard, planted in the cool Santa Rita Hills appellation in 1997, has reached its stride and is now consistently producing distinctive, high quality grapes, creating a distinctive house style for Gainey Chardonnay. The 2005 vintage produced some outstanding wines, and the 2005 Chardonnay is one of them. Its fascinating nose reveals lovely poached pear and baked apple aromas enhanced by creamy vanilla, marzipan, and buttered popcorn scents, with hints of gardenia, tea rose, kaffir lime and toasted oak adding intrigue and complexity. On the palate, the wine boasts a creamy, mouth-coating texture with exuberant green apple and lemon rind flavors gaining further interest from subtle peanut brittle and mineral notes, while balanced acidity keeps the whole package fresh and lively.

White Wine by Martin Ray from Russian River, California. The 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay begins with rich aromas, highlighted by fresh peaches, apples and vanilla. The wine's superior structure and balance has a backbone of crisp apple, peach and creamy vanilla flavors that continue flawlessly on to a ripe and elegant finish. A succulent dish of fresh lobster tails with a rich butter sauce would be an excellent match for this Chardonnay.

White Wine by Dry Creek Vineyard from Russian River, California. The 2005 Russian River Chardonnay begins with abundant aromas of peach, apricot, pear, and toasted almonds. More complex aromas of spice and hazelnut are revealed after several minutes in the glass. On the palate, crisp acidity from Dry Creek's cool weather vineyards strike an excellent balance with subtle oak nuances. The finish is long and lingering with additional vanilla and cream elements that add even more finesse and elegance to this beautiful wine.

White Wine by Dom. Schlumberger from Alsace, France - regions. This wine is a very versatile aperitif that will accompany foie gras or any exotic cuisine, such as dishes with fines herbs. It pairs well with salty and sweet foods, as well as spicy dishes such as curry. It also brings out the flavor of certain cheeses such as Blue Cheese or Muenster.

White Wine by St. Supery from Napa Valley, California. The Muscat Canelli grapes for this wine were harvested at night and in the cool early morning hours of September to maintain the delicate fruit flavors. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were crushed and pressed into chilled tanks for settling. The clean juice was racked and fermentation was initiated in temperature-controlled storage. A long, cool fermentation allowed for excellent flavor retention. After final blending, the wine was stabilized and prepared for bottling. The 2006 Muscato is like a breath of summer in a glass. There is a wonderful aroma of white peach, apricot pear and slight floral finish. The wine is light and delicate yet full of intense flavors of sweet ripe pear and apricots. This is a perfect aperitif for an afternoon gathering.

White Wine by Attems from Italian, Italy. On the palate the first impression is of a seductive suppleness; the wine then expands nicely, enlivened by a crisp, judicious acidity and concludes with a lingering finish generously marked by fruity, clean-edged aromas. Marked fragrances of ripe fruit, such as banana and peach, which harmonize appealingly with complex floral notes. A fairly deep straw-yellow in appearance.

White Wine by Terlano from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. It is light straw in color with pleasant aromas of ripe melon and freshly picked MacIntosh apples. Crisp and light on the palate with lovely pineapple, Bartlett pear and apple flavors that harmoniously intermingle with orange zest and almond notes. The finish lingers with spicy tropical fruit. Pairs equally well with light seafood dinners and richer cream-based sauces.

White Wine by Bonny Doon from California. From what far-flung, telic appellation might be dispatched a white cigar? Le Cigare Blanc is the white analogue of Le Cigare Volant, Bonny Doon's homage to the complex blended wines of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This seasonal outing is based (60%) on the Roussane variety. This mysteriously subtle grape combines stone and mineral notes within a package surprisingly full of ripe orchard fruit. Grenache Blanc at 40% volume adds its own bright refreshing character, nearly merging this cuvee into the fast lane of snappiness, before the Rousanne takes charge, pulling stylishly over to the right and settling down for a seductively long ride.

White Wine by Tablas Creek from Central Coast, California. The Tablas Creek Vineyard Cotes de Tablas Blanc is a blend of four estate-grown white Rhone varietals: Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne. The wine, like most wines of the Southern Rhone, is a blend of varietals, featuring the aromatics and fruit of the Viognier, the flavors and clean minerality of the Marsanne and Roussanne, and the crisp acids and rich mouthfeel of the Grenache Blanc. The 2006 Cotes de Tablas Blanc is Tablas Creek's fifth national release of its Viognier-based white blend. It features spicy aromas of herbs, stone fruits and minerals are followed in the mouth by apricot flavors, rich texture, bright acidity, and a long, clean, peachy finish. Food pairings: mussels Mariniere, green salads with avocado and citrus dressing, scallops, ceviche, light fish (halibut, sole) with tropical salsa

White Wine by Peter Lehmann from South Australia, Australia. The cooler slopes of South Australia's Eden Valley consistently produce many of Australia's great Rieslings. Peter Lehmann Wines have won the International Wine & Spirit Competition's prestigious Peter Sichel Trophy for Best Riesling, World Wide on four occasions with Eden Valley Rieslings. As young wines, Eden Valley Rieslings show floral aromatics and fresh, tangy crispness. Deliciously lively in their youth, Eden Valley Rieslings tend to soften and honey with age. The 2004 Eden Valley Riesling has been bottled using the Stelvin closure to maximize freshness and guarantee quality. Lemon/lime flavors with hints of honey to come. Superbly crisp with the typical steely mineral backbone of an Eden Valley Riesling from an excellent vintage. Excellent with pan-fried fish, freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops, and freshly caught yabbies.

White Wine by Aura from Rueda, Spain. Aromas of fresh grass, reminders of ripe fruit (peach), tropical fruit and hints of aniseed. The wine has good volume, body and structure, with notable fruit sensations and grassy hints like those we felt on the nose and which are so typical of the Verdejo grape, and a long aftertaste accompanied by a nice touch of bitterness in the finish. Goes well with all kinds of fish, salads, pasta and white meat, and thanks to its good structure it can also be drunk with light red meat dishes.

White Wine by Clos Pegase from Carneros, California. The 2004 Mitsuko's Vineyard Chardonnay is a wine of softness and texture on the palate, which retains great complexity in the vibrant, rich fruit. The wine displays pineapple, peach, nectarine, gooseberry, kiwi and lime flavors that are deftly balanced with smoky oak and creamy lees complexity.

White Wine by Beaulieu - BV from Carneros, California. This lovely Chardonnay offers lush aromas and flavors of stone fruits and ripe peaches, complemented by tropical notes. On the palate, this classic Napa Valley Chardonnay is medium bodied and smooth with pleasing vanilla overtones. Balanced acids and a pleasantly crisp finish make this a wonderful partner for many foods, though it is also delicious on its own. Enjoy it paired with roast chicken, lobster salad or grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers.

White Wine by Cuvaison from Carneros, California. Color: Bright, light straw with crisp golden highlights Aroma: Clove, allspice, vanilla, lime and acacia blossom Taste: Melon, apricot, peach and a touch of tropical fruit

White Wine by Kendall-Jackson from Central Coast, California. Elegant and tropical with hints of lemon oil essence, key lime and yellow grapefruit. Notes of ripe pineapple and mango can be found throughout this exquisitely balanced Chardonnay. Lushly layered and viscous with a firm acidity and enchanting creamy texture. The finish lingers on and on. - Randy Ullom, Winemaster

White Wine by Martin Ray from Russian River, California. This Russian River Valley Chardonnay begins with rich aromas, highlighted by fresh peaches, apples and vanilla. The wine's superior structure and balance has a backbone of crisp apple, peach and creamy vanilla flavors that continue flawlessly on to a ripe and elegant finish.

White Wine by Geyser Peak from Russian River, California. Showing a bright straw color, this fruit-driven wine bursts with lush aromas of ripe apples, peach and hints of butterscotch and vanilla. These flavors are prominent on the palate, which begins with a rich, round entry and gives way to a crisp, citrus-laced, and nicely balanced acidity on the finish. The wine's wonderfully creamy texture has been enhanced by both lees stirring and by aging in water-bent American oak barrels. This wine offers a fresh, balanced fruit style that will pair remarkably well with a variety of light to medium-bodied foods.

White Wine by Lucien Albrecht from Alsace, France - regions. The Gewurztraminer Reserve is made from selected (prime) grapes. Bursting with the aroma of honey, red roses and tropical fruit, yet dry and rich on the palate, this wine is lovely to drink on a warm afternoon by itself or paired in a meal with rich, creamy poultry dishes. It releases both to the mouth and the nose litchi, rose petal and spice aroma.

White Wine by Sella & Mosca from Sardinia, Italy. 100% Torbato, a singular grape introduced several centuries ago from Spain. Color: Almost translucent, delicate straw gold. Bouquet: Notably fragrant, complex and persistent; very elegant. Taste: Fresh, crisp and flavorful, with a naturally assertive and pleasing acidity, complemented by nuances of vanilla derived from the oak aging. This is the only white wine in the Sella & Mosca range to undergo oak aging prior to bottling.

White Wine by Trimbach from Alsace, France - regions. 100% Pinot Gris, with grapes sourced from the Trimbach's own vineyards and about 100 growers with whom the family has long-term relationships. Not to be confused with Italy's Pinot Grigio, the Pinot Gris vine of Alsace is descended from the Pinot Beurot, originally from Burgundy. Abundant ripe fruit on the nose and a creaminess on the palate are brought to life with subtle acidity. Softer and less challenging than other varieties, this wine is still totally dry. A good choice for appetizers, fish and shellfish, poultry and other white meats and many lighter pasta, rice and Asian dishes.

White Wine by Poet's Leap from Columbia Valley, Washington. The only white wine in the portfolio is the 2005 Poet's Leap Riesling made by Armin Diel of the renowned Schlossgut Diel in the Nahe River Valley of Germany. This splendid Riesling is light straw-colored with green highlights. It delivers a complex perfume of slate, mineral, a hint of petrol, spring flowers, honey, and green apple. Made in a Spatlese style, with just a touch of sweetness, the wine offers mouth-filling fruit, crisp acidity, and a long, pure finish. Drink it over the next several years with Asian cuisine or as an aperitif. Poet's Leap has no track record for longevity but this wine could well evolve in the manner of its German role model for those willing to set aside a few bottles. Long Shadows is a winery begun by Alan Shoup, the long-time CEO of Stimson Lane and Chateau Ste.-Michelle. It is a consortium of seven different brands (labels), each with its own star winemaker who has a 25% share in the brand. The concept is that each ?is dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a 'best of type' that reflects the winemaker's signature style.

White Wine by Poet's Leap from Columbia Valley, Washington. Armin Diel, of Schlossgut Diel and wine writing fame, is at the helm of Poet's Leap, a Long Shadows consortium winery. The 2004 Riesling is an excellent off-dry (19.3 grams of residual sugar per liter) white with lovely linden blossom and spice aromas. Sweet minerals, slight notes of honey, melon, and pear are found in this spicy effort's core. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 Points

White Wine by Poet's Leap from Columbia Valley, Washington. Inspired by the greatest wines of Germany and crafted by Armin Diel, proprietor of the renowned Schlossgut Diel. Balanced and focused, the 2006 Poet's Leap is a fresh, inviting wine offering heady aromatics of ripe pear, melon and honey. Crisp and flavorful on the palate, the vibrant acidity is balanced by a delicate sweetness that lingers across a long, clean finish.

White Wine by Shaw & Smith from Australia. The 2007 vintage growing season was overall very warm and dry. Spring frosts affected certain parts of the Adelaide Hills, hence quantities were down a little but not dramatically. The Adelaide Hills had a good vintage in terms of quantity and quality with the flavours of Sauvignon Blanc more in the tropical and less herbaceous spectrum. Palate weight is good. Winemaking Whole bunches are crushed, chilled and pressed then undergo fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Does not undergo any malolactic fermentation as we are looking to retain fruit purity and natural acidity. A benchmark for Australian Sauvignon Blanc. Made from 100% Adelaide Hills grapes, the wine is unwooded to maximize varietal punch. The aroma has restrained sauvignon grassiness coupled with riper fruit characters. The palate is fresh and lively with pure varietal flavours and crisp acidity.

White Wine by Girard from Napa Valley, California. Girard picked the fruit fully ripe to provide classic tropical, citrus and floral aromas with a lighter mouth feel and excellent acidity. This all adds up to an extremely food friendly wine that is just as enjoyable on its own. It is bright, fresh, clean and crisp. This is the perfect wine for lighter seafood and chicken dishes or green salads. It also makes a lovely aperitif.