Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut (Columbia Valley, NV)

[3 stars out of 5]

We recently tasted a few sparking wines for our upcoming wedding. This bubbly was a beautiful pale yellow color, like a yellow diamond one of the tasters commented. It was tart in the mouth, with light flavors of apples and grapefruit. The tasting panel commented that this was “not offensive,” but had an odd vinegar smell in the nose that was off putting. The bubbles were tiny and very active, looking great in the glass. We paid $11.98 on sale from $15.99 for this bottle.

Anton Bauer Gmörk Gruner-Veltlinger (Tracken, Austria, 2007)

Having just found out that we are hosting Thanksgiving, I visited our local wine store to get some recommendations. Truthfully, they have all been great and we’re having a tough time deciding!

Anton Bauer Gmörk Gruner-Veltlinger (Tracken, Austria, 2007)
4 stars (out of 5)

Although I am a little unsure about serving an Austrian wine at such an all-American holiday, this gruner-veltliner would pair delightfully with a variety of autumn flavors. Elizabeth said the nose on this one “smells like wine,” but others detected aromas of citrus and hard cider. It was crisp and light on our tongues, with a long floral finish and nice minerality. Overall, an excellent value ($13.99) and will probably be at our Thanksgiving meal.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Gold Label (France, 1999)

4.5 stars (out of 5)

This traditional champagne is sophisticated and savvy, with a light apple taste similar to an aged hard cider. This bubbly delights the mouth with tingly bursts on the tongue and a long subtle finish. Delicious alone or with all sorts of foods: lamb, caviar, and pork belly. This one is on my list next time we are celebrating a special occasion. Yum!

Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (Washington State, 2005)

2 stars (out of 5)

I am not generally a fan of dessert wines, and usually find a late harvest too sweet for my liking. Some years bottled as an ice wine, this late harvest was thick and fragrant that the peaches were practically leaping out of the glass to grab you by the nose. Strong flavors of honey, lychee and very ripe pear were unmistakable. Not really my cup of tea, but a pleasant pairing with a trio of desserts that included cheesecake, crème brulee, and flourless chocolate torte.

Hubner Gruner Veltline, Alte Setzen (Austria; 2005)

2.5 stars (out of 5)

This was a very interesting taste: it had a burst of Muscat-like syrupiness without the sugar content of a dessert wine. Golden in color, this wine had strong citrus flavors – particularly grapefruit – and worked with both sweet and savory foods. Paired with a mini trio: jumbo lump crab cake, pan-seared scallop with vanilla beurre blanc, and an arugula and frisee salad with goat cheese and walnuts.

Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River Valley (California, 2006)

3 stars (out of 5)

Chardonnay two nights in a row: what’s a girl to do? Surprised again, this chardonnay was actually quite good: light, clean, crisp, and a good match for spicy flavors of a chimichurri and roasted red pepper sauces. I guess I am learning that I am not adverse to the younger chardonnays that haven’t spent too much time lurking around in oak.

Stag’s Leap Karia Chardonnay (2005)

3 stars (out of 5)

I admit it, I am a hard sell with chardonnay. But Stag’s Leap estate grown 2005 Karia was a little different. The lightly lemon color of this chardonnay is more indicative of a light vidal blanc – hardly the robust color one might associate with an oaked American chardonnay. The expected buttery undertone was hardly detectable, and the subtle floral notes did not disappoint. Crisp, clean finish of tropical fruit was simply delectable with a salad of goat cheese, beets and walnuts.

Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone (2003)

2.5 stars (out of 5)

This was part of a flight at a wine tasting dinner I recently attended. Paired with a salad of pan-roasted oysters, frisee, and champagne vinaigrette, the food brought out flavors of daffodils. This wine has a forward mouth feel, and a long finish -- it lingers on your tongue long after the sip is gone.

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc (2006)

3.5 stars (out of 5)

This is a great pool wine for the summertime. Light and citrusy with strong grapefruit flavor and a bit of vanilla. We keep a case on hand for impromptu summer dinners with fresh ingredients from the garden. Also a good "starter" wine for those unfamilar with stronger flavors.