No more preamble needed than that. From all corners of the globe and all levels of worthiness, here they are:
Disclosure: These wines were all received as press samples.
2009 Chateau Lamothe Vincent Bordeaux Blanc $15
![]()
Terrific example of Bordeaux blanc. Even-keeled, refreshing, and with enough character to keep it interesting. Zesty freshness framed in subtle acids make this friendly beverage a winner for every occasion. If you haven't gotten into white Bordeaux, this will convince you to.![]()
2010 El Coto Rioja Blanco $10
Hot damn! Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a modern Sauvignon Blanc, this Rioja (made from Viura grapes) is a mouthful of crisp, zesty fun. Definitely a lighter-bodied wine, its acids keep it dry without biting. Drink on a hot evening or on a day escaped from the office. Very pleasing bargain.
![]()
2010 Santi Soave Classico Vigneti di Monteforte $16
I liked this more than I expected to as many whites from this region lack a soul. But what we have here is a light-medium bodied wine of almost perfect balance and flawlessly smooth texture. Good luck finding anyone who won't enjoy this quencher.
![]()
2008 Metis Sauvignon Blanc Hawkes Bay $22
A Frenchman makes wine in New Zealand. Interesting. Subtle, sophisticated, and layered. A thinking person's wine. Slightly modern, nuanced, and well made. More French than Kiwi. And more expensive than Kiwi, too.
![]()
2009 Mt Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc Cheviot Hills $17
A wine geek's wine. Fast, bright, and bracing nose with a faint mettalic twinge on the linger. Subtle, nuanced, fast, tight, and with a tart edge that dissipates quickly and integrates well. New Zealand style for those looking to think more than drink.
![]()
2009 Glazebrook Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $15
Super light color, crisp, lean, and under ripe with a metallic edge. Lots of lime and acid - to the point of astringency. Absolutely need food to find a home, otherwise it falls short of working.
![]()
2010 Michele Torino Estates Cuma Torrontes $13
Viscous, sickly sweet nose, and a bitter, dry palate. Disjointed and lacking in redeeming qualities. Or maybe I'm just not a Torrontes person.
![]()
Disclosure: These wines were all received as press samples.
2009 Chateau Lamothe Vincent Bordeaux Blanc $15
2010 El Coto Rioja Blanco $10
Hot damn! Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a modern Sauvignon Blanc, this Rioja (made from Viura grapes) is a mouthful of crisp, zesty fun. Definitely a lighter-bodied wine, its acids keep it dry without biting. Drink on a hot evening or on a day escaped from the office. Very pleasing bargain.
2010 Santi Soave Classico Vigneti di Monteforte $16
I liked this more than I expected to as many whites from this region lack a soul. But what we have here is a light-medium bodied wine of almost perfect balance and flawlessly smooth texture. Good luck finding anyone who won't enjoy this quencher.
2008 Metis Sauvignon Blanc Hawkes Bay $22
A Frenchman makes wine in New Zealand. Interesting. Subtle, sophisticated, and layered. A thinking person's wine. Slightly modern, nuanced, and well made. More French than Kiwi. And more expensive than Kiwi, too.
2009 Mt Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc Cheviot Hills $17
A wine geek's wine. Fast, bright, and bracing nose with a faint mettalic twinge on the linger. Subtle, nuanced, fast, tight, and with a tart edge that dissipates quickly and integrates well. New Zealand style for those looking to think more than drink.
2009 Glazebrook Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $15
Super light color, crisp, lean, and under ripe with a metallic edge. Lots of lime and acid - to the point of astringency. Absolutely need food to find a home, otherwise it falls short of working.
2010 Michele Torino Estates Cuma Torrontes $13
Viscous, sickly sweet nose, and a bitter, dry palate. Disjointed and lacking in redeeming qualities. Or maybe I'm just not a Torrontes person.
