Summer Wines Summer calls for an entirely different style of wine than the rest of the year. Instead of the heavy, powerful wines that accompany the cuisine of cooler weather, try something light and refreshing. This does not preclude red wines either. We ve found several that quaff a thirst and match lighter foods too. Summertime is also a great time of the year to experiment. Throw off the Cabernet and Chardonnay shackles. Wine lovers of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but ponderous over-oaked white wine. By golly, try a cool refreshing Riesling. How about a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from California or New Zealand? Amaze your friends with a dry Rosé. (See page 4). There are so many styles of wine out there it seems a shame to concentrate on one or two types, no matter how delicious they are. Green s has selected 16 wines made from 11 different grape varieties made to enjoy during the hot weather. All were picked for their ability to refresh and entertain. White Wines
Chateau de Fontenille Entre Deux Mers Blanc-2015 Chateau de Fontenille Entre Deux Mers Blanc 2015 is made with a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris A pale yellow wine with pleasing citrus and stone-fruit aromas on the nose, medium weight on the palate, nicely balanced with good lemon flavors, a hint of pepper and a good length. Corvidae Mirth Chardonnay-2014 The Mirth is quintessential Chardonnay exhibiting bright tropical notes and excellent purity of flavor and balance unencumbered by oak flavor. The wine is fermented and cellared in stainless steel to preserve its freshness and varietal character. Pair this refreshing Chardonnay with a chanterelle herb frittata, lemon roasted chicken, or a mango avocado and smoked salmon salad. Saint Cosme - Little James Basket Press White-2015 A blend of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc that s aged all in tank. Showing the Viognier nicely, with plenty of apricot, citrus and marmalade notes, this soft, supple and decidedly delicious white should be purchased by the case as a mid-week drinker. Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Gris-2014 *National Average Retail Price: $16.00 The 2014 Joel Gott Pinot Gris has white peach aromas with floral notes. On the palate, the wine is balanced, opening with bright acidity and refreshing Meyer lemon citrus flavors, followed by a juicy mid-palate, and a long finish. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc-2014 First the tropical shows itself: lusty with pineapple and mango. Summer melons follow in juicy, fragrant glory. Lemon blossoms, creamy lime and crisp acidity and tone and lively edge. Rated 92 Points - The Tasting Panel
Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc-2015 *National Average Retail Price: $10.00 White fragrant and juicy, with apple blossom, lime zest and chive blossom notes surrounding a core of intense and refreshing lemon and grapefruit flavors. Rated 90 Points - Wine Spectator Torres Vina Sol-2014 In the lively, brilliant freshness of its youth, the wine expresses fresh floral aromas, like orange blossom, with strong fruit undertones, such as apple and banana, as well as intriguing exotic notes of lychee. Light and silky on the palate with delicate acidity and wonderful length. Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay-2014 *National Average Retail Price: $10.00 On the lighter side, with lemon curd and spice flavors on a sleek frame, picking up fresh green fig notes as the finish lingers. Rated 89 Points - Wine Spectator Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling-2014 *National Average Retail Price: $10.00 This wine is immediate in its appeal with aromas of lime leaf, flowers and peach. It drinks off dry with a zing of acidity that beautifully frames the full-fruit flavors. Best Buy Rated 89 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Red Wines Charles & Charles Red Blend-2014 Cabernet makes up three-quarters of this blend. Appealing aromas of dried herbs, blue fruit, coffee and spice lead to sweet, full-feeling cherry and plum flavors backed by a light grip of tannins. Best Buy. Rated 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Doña Paula Black Edition Red Blend-2013 A fresh and leaner style with black currants and blueberries. Full-bodied, minerally and crisp. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Rated 90 Points - James Suckling Greg Norman Estates Limestone Coast Cabernet/Merlot-2012 *National Average Retail Price: $15.00 Supple and inviting, with cherry flavors at the core and hints of herb around the edges, persisting harmoniously on the precise finish Top Value Pick Rated 90 Points - Wine Spectator
3 Ball California Zinfandel-2012 On the nose, bright boysenberry and raspberry fruit with dusty rose and hints of herb and spice. On the palate, rich berry fruit, mineral and spice with hints of coco. Elegant tannins build the mid palate and trail into a long leathery finish laced with toasted oak. Pair with rich stews, grilled meats and a classic accompaniment to BBQ ribs and tomato based sauces. Angove Shiraz Family Crest-2014 A brambly array of mixed summer berry aromas, a little licorice, really pure and vibrant. The palate has a smooth wrap of sweet dark plum and blackberry fruit flavor, some redder nuances too, bright tannins, drink now. Rated 90 Points - James Suckling Hacienda Araucano Carmenere Reserva-2013 *National Average Retail Price: $11.00 Fresh and intense aromas of prune, white pepper, notes of the garrigue such as rosemary and thyme, and hints of eucalyptus predominate. Mouth: The mid-palate is round with a dense tannic structure. The aromatic length is dominated by notes of red fruits which adds contrast and complexity to this interesting wine.
Chateau St. Jean Merlot California-2012 Ripe fruit aromas of fresh berries, red plum and cherry are robust and lead to rich flavors of fresh berry pie, milk chocolate and notes of black tea on the palate. The wine is well structured with a juicy mouth-feel, smooth tannins and a lasting finish.