White

A peach for the beach! Beringer 2012 Pinot Grigio $4.99 – rated buy again

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Bouquet is definitely peachy and floral. First taste is bright, refreshing, with nectarine and citrus – description mentions a hint of a mineral finish – I did not pick it up. Perfect for a summer picnic on the beach – a classic Pinot Grigio best served very chilled. This wine can hold its own against bottles that cost 2-3x as much. A little more sugary than what I prefer – but I’ll rate this a buy again and although perfectly fine alone, I’m having premonitions of a punch bowl. I can see a beautiful white Sangria coming together with a few orange, lemon and nectarine slices – add a few cups of gin, a bottle of sparkling white wine, plenty of ice cubes, garnish with kumquat* (see technique below,) sprig of mint from the garden and a number for a taxi- muy bien!

Stay curious,
loie

 

*Isn’t this a cute garnish idea for cherry tomatoes and kumquats – float it on a Sangria.

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2012 Grand Cru Vineyards, SauvBlanc $3.99 – I suggest you buy yourself a latte instead.

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2012 Grand Cru Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc CA $3.99

Bouquet does not offer much. Citrus with nectarine and one guest commented there was an earthy vegetal fern. First sip is sugary not too sweet with a grape leafy finish. However, not much more to talk about. Not much to like, really.
My suggestion, buy yourself a latte and leave this on the shelf. It’s drinkable, barely, but I wouldn’t even use this for cooking. Ouch!
Stay curious,
loie

 

2012 Mont Pellier, Viognier, CA $5.99 rated buy again

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2012 Mont Pellier, Viognier,
California $5.99
At first, the bouquet is a mash-up of honey and elderflower. Very floral. First taste is drier than one would expect. Not a hearty white, very light and best chilled so it is refreshing as it’s not very complex. I was keen on the balance and smoothness but I wanted a touch more fruit. It finishes a little buttery and with a light mineral taste. Should be great with fish, most seafood and I’d love it with some Drake’s bay oysters BBQ’d. Definitely the perfect match for some Szechuan spicy scallops. That would be magnifico. This hits a buy again – barely as I know some pretty good inexpensive Viogniers mere pennies more but for the price – perfectly respectable.
Stay curious!
Loie

 

2013 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc $6.99

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2013 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc $6.99
Product of Chile
The lemony fresh bouquet has a hint of green grass. First sip is very refreshing and bright. It’s a classic Sav Blanc that has citrusy notes of grapefruit, lemon zest with a sharper finish than my preference but this is a delight and respectably drinkable. I think you will enjoy La Playa Sav. Blanc during those precious moments with your iPad reading BuzzFeed and catching up on emails from your elderly mother. What it is not is an oaky, creamy chardonnay that you can sip by the fire. This wine is light, with a subtle fruit and perfect for warm weather, and when you want to dream of that sunny day. With the citrusy acid, I’d pair it with a burger and some sweet potato fries. Perfect to bring along to your cousin’s BBQ at the park as a diversion when your mom asks if you got her emails. “Look mom, cheap wine!”
Buy it again!
Stay curious,
loie