Iron Chef's review:
"Next we had a Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007. Wonderful floral and citrus bouquet- filled in with grassy aromas. The acidity was a great pairing with the Panko Coconut Scallops in cilantro chutney. Very nice seafood wine.
Price: $16.29
Value: 5/5
Score: 90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasted: Oct 2008
ANBL UPC: 089419007138 "
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Chef,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a good run of high rated reasonably priced wines.
I recently had the Santa Rita reserva and gave it a solid 87. Everything that makes a very good sauvignon blanc was there, citrus fuit with mild grassy notes on the nose and palate with nice balance between fruit and acidity with a finish that was medium long and was fresh and tasty. Why didn't I score it higher? Because I have had better SB including better from Santa Rita. But I can't say I've tasted better SB at this price. Value 5/5
Have either of you tried the Spy Valley Sauv. Blanc? I just had it, and thought it was fine, but a little on the tart side. I gave it an 86 (post coming up next week). Maybe I'm getting tired of Sauv. Blanc, or maybe it's just the weather. As it gets colder I'd like to get away from the crisp whites into a fuller bodied style. I did quite like the Oyster Bay Chardonnay (though maybe I was a bit generous with the 88). And I had a fantastic Roussane last summer (from Ont, but this is a comment, not a post). It was Costieres de Nimes Ch. De Nages Cuvee Joseph Torres. I'd love to find something like that again - it was rch and complex - a white for winter (and only $20). I've tried the d'Arenberg Hermit Crab Viognier / Marsanne - thought it was fine but nothing special. Anyone have any suggestions for a full bodied white?
ReplyDeleteIt has been awhile since I had Spy Valley SB but I do think Spy Valley is an above average producer because I've participated in a few blind tastings where their other wines (gewurztraminer, reisling and pinot gris) showed very well. On average though, I don't look to NZ when I go shopping for SB.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the "crisp & refreshing" whites loose their appeal in the fall and winter. As for full bodied white suggestions other than Chardonnay try Grand Marrenon White or Picpoul de Pinet from France.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions for a Chardonnay? Historically I haven't been a fan, but I didn't used to drink a lot of white and it could well be that it was only the dominant style in the lower end Chardonnay that didn't appeal to me.
Norman,
ReplyDeleteChardonnays to try;
Merryvale Carneros reserve $36.99
Merryvale Hyde Valley $48.99
Pio Cesare Piodilei $45.99
Pierre Andre Ladoix 1er Cru $44.28
Dan Aykroyd Chardonnay (just kidding)
I tried the Santa Rita Reserva Sauv. Blanc today at the Prospect St. wine sample machine. It's not completely fair to comment, as the sample is only one mouthful, but for what it's worth I thought it had a nice citrus nose, good balance but not a lot of follow through on the palate. 87 seems like a reasonable score, though I'd probably give it a 4/5 for value. For me, 5/5 is 'run out and tell your friends' and I don't quite feel that way about it. That's my take ... based on one mouthful.
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