2010 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand) – Sauvignon Blanc grape
Fragrant and tropical, displaying pineapple, grapefruit, dragon fruit and melon flavors. There’s a juicy acidity, with great persistence on the finish.
Rated 89 Wine Spectator
2009 Graham Beck Chenin Blanc The Game Reserve Stellenbosch (South Africa) – Chenin Blanc grape
Chenin Blanc, the most widely planted variety in South Africa, thrives in the hands of well-reputed winemaker Graham Beck. Rich with lots of apple and herb notes on the nose, this unoaked bottle makes a great alternative to Chardonnay. Astorwines.com
2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer (Washington State) – Gewürztraminer grape
Light and lemony, with just under two percent residual sugar (balanced against piercing acidity), this well-crafted, fruit-powered Gewürztraminer seems custom-made for Thai food. Fruity and spicy, with a hint of the grape’s characteristic talcum powder highlights, this is clean and eminently quaffable.
Rated 88 “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
2009 Alasia Brachetto d’Aqui (Italy) – Brachetto grape
Vibrant ruby in color, this shows aromas of raspberry sorbet with rose perfumed hints. Appealing off-dry palate with crunchy sweet and tart raspberry fruit, mouthwatering acidity and a juicy spritzy finish. vinesonpine.com
2009 La Versa Terre D’Alteni Moscato d’Asti Oltrepo’ Pavese (Italy) – Moscato grape
Soft white mousse; clear golden-yellow color; generous bouquet, very assertive, with notes of musk, rosewood, sage and ripe fruit to the fore; the palate is sweet, exceptionally gracious, fresh and lively, with a persistent backdrop that is, by turns, fruity and musky. Ideally savored with: cakes, oven pies, desserts in general, strawberries, raspberries, peaches. winelistsummit.com
2007 Donnhoff Riesling Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Kabinett (Germany) – Riesling grape
As part of his exploration of the potential offered by his two latest land acquisitions, in Bad Krueznach, Donnhoff has bottled a 2007 Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Kabinett that distinctively displays spiced crabapple, orange zest, winter pear, sweet floral perfume, and toasted nuts in a dense yet alcoholically light and delicate matrix. Subtle suggestions of mineral elements including a somehow tactile sense of stoniness join in a long, interactive finish featuring plenty of sheer refreshment. Donnhoff is leaning toward channeling the fruit of Kahlenberg solely into dry wine, but this seems to make a strong case for not doing so. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate