Google
WWW
FBworld.com



 


Wines of the Week: California Whites

Though it may not feel like everywhere, spring is coming next month. So even if you're dealing with snow or heavy,gray skies now, there's no reason you can't stock up on some lovely white wines from California that will be perfect to sip on once warm weather has arrived. Here are a handful that our panel sampled recently:

Click on labels to enlarge

Yorkville Cellars 2013 "Eleanor of Aquitaine" White
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Grape(s): 70% Semillon & 30% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendocino County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Aromas of peach, apricot, and apple meld with nuances of honey on the nose. Notes of pear, apple, and peach come together with hints of white blossoms and honey on the palate. A rich blend with a welcoming acidity, pair a bottle with your favorite shell fish in a light cream sauce. Fewer than 500 cases produced.
Rating: 90

Yorkville Cellars 2013 "Amber Folly" White
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Semillon
Region: Mendocino County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
n/a

Review:
A bouquet of apricot, pear, and a hint of honey rises up from a glass. Flavors of apricot, pear, and citrus fruits emerge with accents of sweet spice, honey, and minerals on the palate. A mouth-filling white with a fresh acidity, enjoy a bottle on a lovely spring afternoon. Under 300 cases were made.
Rating: 88

McGrail Vineyards 2013 Chandler Vineyard Chardonnay
Winery: McGrail Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Fragrances of peach, apricot, and pineapple mingle with hints of vanilla and caramel on the nose. Flavors of apricot and tropical fruit that open up into notes of butter and lemon-custard on the palate. Bright yet a bit creamy, it's a Chardonnay that delivers a nice balance. 735 cases produced.
Rating: 90

Midnight Cellars 2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Midnight Cellars
Grape
(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region:
Paso Robles

Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Aromatics of apples, pears, vanilla, and a slight herbaceous note rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of crisp pear and tart apple are accented by hints of vanilla, minerals, and orange spice. Bright flavor and a friendly acidity make this a food friendly wine. 800 cases produced.
Rating: 88

Sierra Vista 2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Sierra Vista
Grape
(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region:
El Dorado, Ca

Year: 2013

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
A bouquet of pineapple, lemon custard, and buttery oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of tropical fruit, pear, and lemon with an accent of fresh cream. A balanced acidity and round mouth-feel make this a very approachable wine.750 cases produced.
Rating: 89

Howell Mountain Vineyards 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: North Coast
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Aromas of Meyer lemon, key lime, and gooseberries mingle with a hints of grass and custard on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bright citrus fruits that flow into suggestions of honey and cream. An easy going Sauvignon, fans of almost sweet whites ought to try this bottle. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 88

Note: Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their peak quality but will do so over the next few years

By Jason Barlow

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

 

 Food & Beverage International |  FBWorld.com |  NutraFoodies |  California the Magazine
Home |  Food |  Wine |  Chefs |  Restaurants |  Advertisers |  Recipes
Travel |  Slide-Shows |  Whos News |  Directories | 
Events  |  Newsletters |  About Us |  Media Kit

©2000 - 2010 Food and Beverage International
All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us | 
Feedback