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Recommendations:
Low-Oak White Wines for
the Holidays, Under $30
Aside from festivities and fun, holiday also spells expenses of various sorts. There is the gift-giving, banquets, decorations and entertaining. In this article, I will feature great-value wines of exemplary quality but of reasonable price. We have a whole gamut of refreshing white wines that perfectly accompany holiday meals. We have unoaked and modestly oaked wines of various grape varieties, mainly from California and Washington.The wines are listed in increasing order- from the lighter to the fuller in weight and flavor.
Pinot Grigio Wine Recommendations
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, 2006 PINOT GRIS, COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON, $13-$14.50
Refreshing and exciting with flavors of ripe honeydew melon and green apple. Round and full-bodied. Features slight touch of Viognier. A bit off dry. Great value wine. 6% Viognier. Drink through summer, 2008.
PAVI, 2006 PINOT GRIGIO, NAPA VALLEY, $15-$17
Appealing and exceptional. Complex in structure and style. Features beautiful aromas of melon, pear and pineapple. Well-balanced and crisp finish.
Sauvignon Blanc Recommendations
TRINCHERO FAMILY, 2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, $11-$13
Fresh and fruit-forward wine. Bursting with mouthwatering citrus flavors complemented by earthy notes. Medium long and crisp finish. 40,000 cases. Drink through summer, 2008.
KENDALL-JACKSON, 2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC, VINTNER'S RESERVE, CALIFORNIA, $10-$12
Flavors of lime, pears and melon combined with fig and kiwi. Delightfully pleasant. Grapefruit and earthy finish. 94.8% Sauvignon Blanc, 4.7% Semillon, .5% Sauvignon Musque. Drink through summer, 2008.
KUNDE ESTATE, 2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC, MAGNOLIA LANE, SONOMA VALLEY, $16-$18
Stunning. Laced with passion fruit, guava and grapefruit aromas. Aromas of melon and ripe peaches. Long finish. Drink through summer, 2008.
Rhone Varietals & Blends
TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD, 2005 GRENACHE BLANC, PASO ROBLES, $28-$30
Vibrant. Aromas of lemon and anise. Full-bodied. Features flavors of candied lemon, green apple and marzipan. Zesty with elegant finish. Drink through summer, 2008.
TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD, 2005 ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL, PASO ROBLES, $36-$38
Exciting aromas of honeysuckle, mint, lemon peel and spice. Tastes of honey, rose petals. pear and white flowers. Refreshing acidity and satisfying length. 70% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, 5% Picpoul Blanc. Drink through summer, 2008.
Chardonnay Wine Recommendations
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, 2005 CHARDONNAY, COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON, $11-$13
Well-balanced. Creamy combination of fruit characters- apricot, papaya and lemon zest- and oak. Possessing adequate complexity. Medium long finish. Drink through summer, 2008.
HESS, 2006 SHIRTAIL CREEK VINEYARD, MONTEREY, $13-$14
Bright acidity and exotic fruit. Aromas of crisp apple, melon and pear. Tastes of pineapple, passion fruit, and guava. Supple texture with crisp acidty. Long, zesty finish. Drink through summer, 2008.
PELLEGRINI, 2006 UNOAKED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, $15-$17
Intense aromas of green apple, pear, banana and custard. Well-balanced acidity and texture. Full-bodied and long, persistent finish. . Drink through summer, 2008.
If you enjoyed these wine reviews, you
might also find the following wine resources
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