wine color: White

Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015

93
Brennan Vineyards
Varietal: Viognier
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Texas
Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: This is the style that put Viognier on the radar as the most popular white varietal in Texas. Sourced for three distinct vineyard sites, this is predominately Viognier, with a touch of Semillon.
Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015

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Brennan Vineyards Rousanne 2015

94
Brennan Vineyards
Varietal: Rousanne
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Texas
Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
Retail Price: $32.99

Tasting Notes: One of the newer varietals gaining popularity in Texas. Rich, elegant, and full-bodied. Great acidity without overwhelming the palate. This is their first release sourced from the famed Reddy vineyard.
Brennan Vineyards Rousanne 2015

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Bending Branch Winery Rousanne 2015

92
Bending Branch Winery
Fanciful Name: Comfortage
Varietal: Rousanne
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Texas
Appellation: Texas Hill Country
Retail Price: $32.99

Tasting Notes: Named after their hometown of Comfort, Texas, this 100% Rousanne excels. Clean crisp, with very balanced acids. Hints of peach, spice and apple. Aging is 50/50 in oak and stainless steel. Great food wine for grilled seafood or chicken.
Bending Branch Winery Rousanne 2015

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Merino Chardonnay 2012

91
Merino
Fanciful Name: Limestone Hill
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Chile
Appellation: Limari Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: A beautiful Chilean Chard with no malo! Aromas of orange peel, lemon and clove lead to flavors of green apple, more spice and some chalky minerality. Lots of class to this one.
Merino Chardonnay 2012

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Kingston Family Sauvignon Blanc 2012

90
Kingston Family
Fanciful Name: Cariblanco
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Chile
Appellation: Casablanca Valley
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: A world-class sauvignon blanc that shows a real sense of place. This wine displays a wonderful balance of ripe citrus notes, chalky minerality and vibrant acidity that reverberates nicely on a long, herbaceous finish.
Kingston Family Sauvignon Blanc 2012

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Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012

91
Dr. Konstantin Frank
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: New York
Appellation: Finger Lakes
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Some of the best-value Chardonnay you can find, Dr. Konstantin Frank delivers again with the 2012 barrel fermented Chardonnay. To say it’s impossible to find the balance, mouth feel and heartiness for this price anywhere else in America would be an understatement. Fresh pineapple, honeysuckle and vanilla burst from the nose and echo in the palate. Pair this with the next seafood dish you poach in butter.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012

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Dr. Konstantin Frank Pinot Gris 2012

92
Dr. Konstantin Frank
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: New York
Appellation: Finger Lakes
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: We have to go to New York to find one of the most impressive Pinot Gris made in America. Dr. Konstantin Frank epitomizes the style and gives the Finger Lakes region something to brag about. A wine highlighted by notes of pear and peach on both the nose and the palate, delivering enough acidity for a crisp, clean finish.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Pinot Gris 2012

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Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay 2014

95
Mt. Beautiful
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Canterbury
Retail Price: $19

Tasting Notes: This will draw attention to the lovely Chardonnays produced in New Zealand that haven’t received accolades they deserve. From certified-sustainable vineyards, this is a rather New World/Old World style. It has nuances of wildflowers, mineral and under-ripe fruit on the nose. These nuances continue on the palate, but then fruit flavors become lush and mouth filling. The finish is long and lively with racy sweet/tart acidity and a hint of lemon/grapefruit. Pair this with pork or fowl with a fruit glaze, or enjoy it as an aperitif.
Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay 2014

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Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012

93
Cloudy Bay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Marlbourough
Retail Price: $35.99

Tasting Notes: New Zealand is not always the first place you think of when someone says “great Chardonnay,” but with wines like the 2012 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, it should be in the conversation. Intensely fruity, showing more citrus than most Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay makes a well-balanced, Chardonnay-lovers dream at a value that is hard to match. One of the world’s premier Sauvignon Blanc producers is throwing its name in the hat for Chardonnay of the highest quality — and is on point.
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012

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J.Lohr Chardonnay 2014

98
J.Lohr
Fanciful Name: J.Lohr Arroyo Vista
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Monterey
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel continues the fine-tuning on Lohr’s ultimate version of the great white Burgundys of France. Classic techniques abound, from early-morning handpicking/sorting and stirring of the lees to extended barrel aging (14 months). Great mouth feel, very viscous, rich flavors, and a long, lingering finish. A true Monterey classic that should have the French looking over their shoulders.
J.Lohr Chardonnay 2014

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Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

92
Flora Springs
Fanciful Name: Barrel Fermented
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Bright, crisp aromas and flavors of pear and golden delicious apples, balanced beautifully by toasty oak and crisp acidity. The finish is long and refreshing.
Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

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Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

97
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $39.99

Tasting Notes: This, only their second release for a Chardonnay, confirms that Duckhorn and Renee Ary are on the right path. Rich, vibrant fruit highlights the best fruit sourced from 11 prime valley sites. Peach and melon notes balance the touches of citrus fruits. Very detailed barrel fermentation program includes hand stirring of the lees.
Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

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