star rating: Four Stars (86-91)

Santi Nello Prosecco

91
Santi Nello
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Valdobbiadene
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: White flowers, golden apples, hazelnut and almonds layer and show the pedigree of Valdobbiadene. The wine builds richness while keeping present the fruit-forward softer side that is more common to this style.
Santi Nello Prosecco

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Oak Farm Vineyards Albariño 2016

88
Oak Farm Vineyards
Varietal: Albariño
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: The Lodi region continues to amaze, and this producer is no exception. This Spanish varietal seems to thrive there, and produces a richer and more floral version. Medium bodied, with crisp acidity. Definite mineral notes with beautiful tropical fruit aromas.
Oak Farm Vineyards Albariño 2016

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Troublemaker Blend 1 Sauvignon Blanc

88
Troublemaker
Fanciful Name: Blend 1
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: Light and zesty, from Central Coast, this is the newest addition to the Austin Hope collection. Not your usual sauvignon blanc, especially with the addition of riesling and just a touch of chardonnay. No malolactic fermentation helps preserve the purity of the fruit. Citrus and tropical fruit notes on the nose, with a hint of honeysuckle. Perfect sippin’ wine for the spring/summer season.
Troublemaker Blend 1 Sauvignon Blanc

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2016

88
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Varietal: Gewurztraminer
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $13.99

Tasting Notes: And now for something completely different. With fruit sourced from a small organic vineyard, winemaker Kevin Hall of Mendocino crafts a uniquely Californian interpretation of this overlooked varietal. Rich apricot flavors meld with hints of spice and minerality. The sleeper food pairing for this is the classic holiday turkey.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2016

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Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2015

88
Long Meadow Ranch
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: From Rutherford, Napa. An unusual offering considering the AVA’s reputation for big reds, but what a pleasant surprise. Harvesting was done over two separate time periods. Winemaker Ashley Heisey worked her magic in the blending of the two distinct lots. Great complexity for 100% stainless steel fermentation. Very concentrated fruit, bursting with fresh hints of peaches, pears and lemon grass.
Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2015

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Bending Branch Winery Branch White

89
Bending Branch Winery
Fanciful Name: Branch
Varietal: White
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: The little Texas winery that could . . . and delivers another winner. Delightful blend of muscat blanc, muscat giallo, and roussanne. Dr. Young shows his skill working with blending different-sourced grapes to very tasty perfection. Try this with parmesan cheese. Smooth, easy drinking with subtle peach overtones.
Bending Branch Winery Branch White

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Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2016

89
Kia Ora
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Retail Price: $9.99

Tasting Notes: Clean with a citrus heavy, passion fruit and characteristic lemon and lime notes. This Marlborough wine is a refreshingly good example of value sauvignon blanc that delivers on its promised richness and drinkability.
Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2016

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McPherson Cellars Vermentino 2015

89
McPherson Cellars
Varietal: Vermentino
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Kim McPherson continues to work his magic with Mediterranean varietals. Richer and more full-bodied than its Italian cousin, this pairs beautifully with lighter summer fare, especially seafood or chicken teriyaki. Clean and crisp with balanced acidity. Citrus, orange, and pear flavors dominate. Perfect wine for lazy summer afternoons in Texas!
McPherson Cellars Vermentino 2015

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Playtime Blonde Chardonnay 2015

89
Playtime Blonde
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $12

Tasting Notes: When looking for that perfect summertime white wine, this chardonnay fits the bill. Soft butter with hints of tropical fruit makes this a truly “playful” Chardonnay for all occasions involving summer.
Playtime Blonde Chardonnay 2015

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Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2015

89
Casas del Bosque
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Chile
Appellation: Casablanca Valley
Retail Price: $12.95

Tasting Notes: This lush wine is a bargain! Tropical notes, light citrus and plenty of mineral backbone and acid make it not only a great sipper, but a perfect seafood partner.
Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2015

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Treana Chardonnay 2014

90
Treana
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $26.99

Tasting Notes: Sourcing from some of the best AVAs in the Central Coast helps create this little blockbuster of a chardonnay. 60% stainless steel, complimented with a 40% definitive oak program results in a rich, full-bodied wine. Very balanced acidity, with classic notes of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon. Definitely a wine to pull out for the big weekend meals.
Treana Chardonnay 2014

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Corte Giara White 2015

90
Corte Giara
Varietal: White
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Soave
Retail Price: $10

Tasting Notes: This Soave is truly inviting with a slightly golden yellow color and floral aroma. Fresh peach is noticeable followed by slight herbal notes. This wine has a very long and dry finish.
Corte Giara White 2015

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