The Wine Guy
If ever there were two words that describe the things people wished they had in their hands over the past weeks of high heat and deep humidity, these are them. Here are some white wines that fit the bill- and then some…
Tokara Elgin Sauvignon Blanc, 2018, Reserve Collection,($18.99), is one of the wines that you can count on one hand that Robert Parker has scored 90 points and that’s priced under twenty dollars. He described it as,” undeniably Sauvignon Blanc with the classic expressions of gooseberry, grapefruits with asparagus and green bell pepper aromas on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is energetic, alive with crisp acidity and for those who enjoy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you are sure to enjoy this wine. Medium-bodied, the wine ends with a crisp, zippy finish, having never seen oak”. Drink this wine ice cold; find a shady spot, have a glass or two and you won’t even notice the heat.
For those of you who haven’t really had much of this wine born in the Loire Valley, make a change and start with Delaire Graff Chenin Blanc, 2017, Swartland, South Africa, ($27.99). Diamond merchant Laurence Graff bought this estate in 2003, turning the property into an expansive, art-filled Relais & Château resort, and building a new winery. Morné Vray makes the wines, sourcing this one from old bush vines, the fruit whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barrels, where it then rests without any lees stirring or malolactic fermentation. The result is a powerful wine. The warm wood tones combine with the fruit to build a richness akin to marzipan while the acidity keeps the wine balanced and firm. Notes of truffles and bee pollen add to the impression of lush elegance, but the wine never gets too heavy. Enjoy this one with a Rainbow Trout or some lightly fried Nantucket scallops.
Closer to home, Foppiano Russian River Sauvignon Blanc, 2018, Sonoma, California, ($22.99), will give you a decidedly different kind of glass. This wine seamlessly incorporates the best of both the lush tropical style and the brighter citrusy style. The results are aromas of ripe lemon zest, and fresh cut grass. Kiwi lemonade and red stone fruit dominate the pallet, while a full fruit, long finish makes this the perfect wine for the warm days of summer. This family has been making wines in California for over 120 years and this wine’s vineyards, located in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, will give you some of the best that Sonoma has to offer.
If you’re looking for something that sparkles, look for a bottle of Scharffenberger Brut” Excellence”, NV, Mendocino, California, ($27.99). Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made by the traditional méthode champenoise process – whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. The wine is approximately two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. Scharffenberger Brut is made from its own 120-acre vineyards in the Anderson Valley. In addition, Scharffenberger Cellars has long-term contracts with select vineyards in the greater Mendocino County. You’ll find notes of caramel and honey, as well as fresh-baked bread and a long, smooth finish; have a glass of this one with some raw oysters and lemon juice.
Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
