|
|
 Photo Courtesy of frugalfoodiefamily.com The Mr. Picky Wine of the Week is 2010 Callaway Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection for $4.99. This isn’t the kind of wine in which you savor every sip, but it’s clean, crisp, refreshing, and damn good for the price. It’s a Weekday Wine. If I had my druthers, as an old news-hound friend of mine used to say, I would be tipping the finest wine nightly. But I don’t have my druthers, so Callaway Sauvignon Blanc it is.
FROM SHAW-ROSS.COM
This Sauvignon Blanc was harvested to maximize the freshness and fruit of the grape. The wine was slowly fermented in stainless steel tanks at an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to create a tantalizing nose and a fresh clean finish. Continue reading
 Is it my imagination or are Trader Joe’s wines cheaper wines improving? In the recent past I would pick up a bottle of wine under $7 at TJs, take a sip, make a disgusted Picky face and promptly dump it down the drain. But in the past few months I’ve been surprised at the quality. 2009 Marques de Montañana Viura is a good example of this: A simple, light, summer wine that is a nice alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. And for $4.99 you can’t beat the price. Winemaker: Fruit and floral aromas. The taste is warm and round and off dry.
Available at Trader Joe’s for $4.99.
Viura: According to Wikipedia, this white grape is also called Macabeo or Macabeu. It is grown in the Rioja region of northeastern Spain, and the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. It was introduced in Rioja after the phylloxera epidemic, where it largely replaced Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca, partially because of the ability of its wines to better withstand oxidation.
 2008 Lamplighter Cabernet Sauvignon — $4.99
It’s hard to believe that a cheap Cabernet Sauvignon could actually taste good, but here it is. A good everyday drinker for $4.99. Bright red cherry fruit with a touch of spice at the end. Available at Ventura Wine Company and Carpinteria Wine Company for $4.99
 2007 Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 – $5.99
Interesting blend for a great price. Winemaker: Aromas of strawberry and spice introduce this fruit-forward wine, the softly textured palate displays flavors of ripe plum and blackberries that are balanced by a silky finish.
Available at Carpinteria Wine Company for $5.99. See more Picky Picks.
 |
2007 Martin Fierro Malbec – $5.99
Soft bouquet of berries with subtle gleams of vanilla and chocolate. Body of medium intensity, with sweet tannins that provide it with harmony and balance.
Available at Carpinteria Wine Company for $5.99. |
 |
2008 Bianco del Nago – $4.99-$9.99
Chronicle Wine Cellar Notes: A wonderful fresh white from the Garganega grape. Citrus flowers and a touch of petrol on the nose. Showing apples, pears, and a hint of lemon. Right amount of acidity with a crisp, dry palate showing almond and honey flavors on the finish.
Available at Carpinteria Wine Company for $4.99. |
 2007 Freakout (Luna Vineyards) White Wine – $5.99
Winemaker’s Notes: A blend of 35% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Grigio, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Ribolla Gialla. Light golden color, with an enticing nose of ripe pear and hints of lemon. The finish is a delicious blend of pears and vanilla.
Available at Trader Joe’s for $5.99.
 |
2009 Chateau des Cleons Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine-$5.99
Too often has Mr. Picky picked out a wine at Trader Joe’s for under $7 and promptly dumped it down the drain. In fact he almost gave up on TJs. Hopefully this is a harbinger of better wines to come. This wine is the perfect wine to pair with oysters and most fish. Floral nose with structured acidity. Saline, chalky and slightly savory.
Available at Trader Joe’s for $5.99. See more of Picky’s Picks. |
 2008 Paso A Paso Verdejo – $6.67
International Wine Cellar 88 Points: Light, bright gold. Spicy lemon and lime aromas are complemented by deeper notes of toasty lees and anise. Fleshy citrus and stone fruit flavors are braced by a gentle mineral note, which adds back-end snap. Finishes crisp and persistent for a wine at this price point.
Available at garyswine.com for $6.67 and online at Lazy Acres for $9.99.
|
|
Recent Comments