^TM

White Wine Rundown

By Darryl Beeson

The following white wines are well suited for upcoming holiday dining. Though dry, they may not be bone dry. Their full-flavored fruit helps in the festive food pairings.

Chance Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Redwood Valley 2002
Price $14.99
Rating 89

This pleasant white offers nuances of tropical fruit and mineral within a concentrated framework of crisp citrus. It is more fruit driven than herbaceous. The winemaker suggests pairing this white wine with rich seafood such as salmon or crabcakes. This wine recently received the Authentic Food Artisan seal of recognition of recognition from the national Whole Foods Market. The AFA program recognizes products that are made in accordance to the highest standards of traditional method.

Moon Mountain Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Edna Valley 2002
Price $16
Rating 89

A more classic, perhaps Bordeaux-inspired, blend of 75% sauvignon blanc and 25% semillon with pleasant flavors of fresh fig, hints of honey. There are aromas of melon, fresh herbs and minerals. "This wine will complement a wide range of herbed and spiced dishes," suggests winemaker Randall Watkins. "We particularly enjoy this wine with Pacific Rim and Mediterranean cuisine, but it is also delightful in traditional pairings with Chevre or oysters."

Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, Australia 2002
Price $16.99
Rating 93

Vibrant aromas of melon, citrus and a touch of poblano pepper, then flavors of luscious melon, lemon citrus with delicate pepper/spice and candied orange peel are all found in this long finishing white wine. 

JackaRoo Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia 2001
Price $6.99
Rating 88

Bright flavors of candied orange, pear, apple and more citrus are found in this medium lengthed wine. This white is a wonderful value at the price.

Sticks Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Australia 2002
Price $16.99
Rating 89

Aromas of ripe, almost candied apple, then flavors of apple, pear and melon with floral in the finish of this inviting white wine.

Giesen Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2002
Price:  $12
Rating: 92

The aroma is delicate grapefruit and gooseberry/pimento. The sip offers a resounding meld of the classic green pepper, grapefruit/citrus, and sweet red pepper. This beautiful wine is luscious and balanced, probably the best white wine value from New Zealand.

Handley Cellars Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley 2002
Price:  $14
Rating: 90

"The Handley Cellars 2002 Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer is a beautiful example of a fine, terroir-driven wine," boasts winemaker Deny Dudzik. "It possesses the finesse, elegance, and structure of Alsace-grown Gewürztraminer, but offers a profile that is uniquely Anderson Valley, with fragrant honeysuckle and candied fruit aromas mingling with exotic flavors of lychee and mandarin orange.

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications.

Back to TravelLady Magazine