All Set in Massachusetts

Pomelo - Fresh, Affordable Sauvignon Blanc

Mason Cellars

Pomelo, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

Oakville, California

$10.80

Several weeks ago, we attended the grand re-opening wine tasting at OurGlass Wine Co. One of the very first wines we tried was Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc. Everyone agreed that it was refreshing, with a flavor profile that is different from the typical tart Sauvignon Blanc. However, we had lots more wines to try, so we figured this one might fade into the background as we proceeded. However, at the end of the tasting, we selected it as one of the few "standout" bottles (and the only white wine) to purchase. And we couldn't argue with the sub-$11 price!

We drank the bottle tonight with a shrimp and lobster dinner ($4.69/lb at Market Basket!) and once again thoroughly enjoyed it. A Pomelo the citrus fruit native to Malaysia and is thought to be an ancestor to the grapefruit. This fruit-forward wine was named Pomelo because of its tangy grapefruity flavor, but we also detected aromas and tastes of pears and peaches. This wine is smooth, soft and full of flavor. If you'relooking for a new twist on Sauvignon Blanc, give Pomelo a try. We'll definitely be putting it back on our shelf!

A&T Ranking: 8.5/10

Trying Something New - Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Errazuriz

Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

Casa Blanca Valley, Chile

Tonight, we steamed foil packets of lemongrass and ginger marinated halibut with assorted fresh vegetables on the grill. To accompany it, we tried a new wine - a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc that was among the recommended summer wines at the New Hampshire Liquor Store. When it first enters your mouth, this wine possesses many of the standard soft grapefruit characteristics of a typical Sauvignon Blanc, but as it crosses your palate, it pops with strong tropical fruit flavors. These grapes were grown on a single vineyard and aged three months to enhance the distinctive fruit flavor and build texture.

Errazuriz was named Winery of the Year in 2008 by Wines of Chile, and Chilean Wine Producer of the Year by the International Wine & Spirit Committee. We look forward to trying more wines from this vineyard, such as their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chardonnay.

A&T Ranking: 9/10

A Winery to Watch: Brassfield High Valley Appellelation

This summer, we enjoyed two wines from an emerging, yet still relatively unknown, area in California -- the High Valley Appellation. High Valley offers a unique combination of volcanic and alluvial soil, which, combined with the cool climate, makes it ideal for growing top-quality grapes. We tried the Brassfield Estate Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2004 Pinot Noir - both of which were enjoyable and easy-to-drink. We had the Sauvignon Blanc with cheese, crackers and other light hors d'oeuvres at Alice's parents house. Everyone agreed that the tangy pear, melon, and floral flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc made it perfectly refreshing on a warm summer's night. The Pinot Noir was more medium-bodied, with a nice cherry and spice aroma and a long, silky finish that fills your mouth. While these wines may be relatively hard to find (the Pinot Noir says "sold out" on the web site), they're definitely worth trying if you can get your hands on them.

A&T Ranking:

Pinot Noir - 8/10

Sauvignon Blanc - 9/10

When in the Hamptons...

We recently made our first trip to the Hamptons to attend a wedding and visit our close Duke friends, Sam and Cristina. We had a fantastic weekend staying at their lovely home, playing in the waves at the beach, and exploring the town of East Hampton. On Saturday night, we dined at the renowned eating establishment, The 1770 House. The setting was quaint and the meal was outstanding - from appetizers to dessert. We tried a range of appetizers, including the Jumbo Lump Crab Summer Roll, which had a delicious thai chili spice that was softened by sweet, juicy mango and green papaya. Thadd enjoyed his usual Foie Gras, which was served with a vanilla and bing cherry sauce - a combination that even made Sam and Cristina Foie Gras converts! We both enjoyed the Pan Seared Diver Scallops for an entree, which were served with a sunchoke and truffle veloute, wild mushrooms, and spring peas. If you like scallops, you will not be disappointed with this choice. Cristina had the Roasted Wild Alaskan Salmon, which she also raved about. For dessert, we shared the Molten Dark Chocolate Cake and a Peanut Butter Chocolate Special, both of which were rich yet delicious. We complemented the meal with several bottles of the 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Saracina from Mendocino, CA - which had a delicate balance of fruit flavors (we're picky Sauvignon Blanc drinkers - and we liked this wine)!  All in all, a fantastic meal and even better company - a night to remember!

Thadd's Price-Wine Score Ratio- P/WS Ratio

A valuation ratio of a wine’s current price compared to its Wine Spectator Score.

For example, if a wine is currently selling at $20 a bottle and has a Score of 91, the P/WS ratio for the wine would be 0.21 ($20/91)  vs. 0.60 ($55/91)

Also sometimes known as "wine multiple" or "wine scoring multiple".   

In general, a high P/WS suggests that wine lovers are drinking over-priced wine and wasting their money.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, 2003

Marlborough

This wine was a gift from our friend, Cara, and we enjoyed it with cheese and crackers as we toasted her graduation from law school. This wine is sweet but well balanced with ripe tropical fruits and lively herbaceous characters. It should be consumed with white meats, vegetarian dishes, salads and especially seafood. This delightful experience all but eliminated our bad experience with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on our honeymoon last summer.

A&T Ranking: 7/10

Seafood Paella and Sauvignon Blanc

Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, 2004

South Africa

New Hampshire

Liquor Store $18.99       

We enjoyed this wine with seafood paella, although it is also recommended with goat cheese, fresh asparagus, artichokes, oysters, grilled snapper, calamari, or chicken in white wine sauce. Overall, this wine was crisper and tarter than some of the Sauvignon Blancs we’ve tried – a good thing in our minds, as sometimes sweet wines can be overbearing. The first taste was crisp and bursting with green apple flavors; the finish was soft with citrus undertones. Pricey but definitely worth a try if you’re looking for a different slant on Sauvignon Blanc. We’re looking forward to trying more South African Sauvignon Blancs.

A&T Ranking: 7.5/10

Summer Wine

Chateau Souverain
2000 Sauvignon Blanc
Alexander Valley

$12

Atlas Liquors, Medford

Comments: An outstanding summer Sauvignon Blanc! One of the best we’ve had (although we’re still experimenting), great value, and a perfect summer wine. Soft texture throughout with a fruity, pear-like finish. Fermentation in French Oak Barrels; Floral Aromas and Crisp Melon and Citrus Flavors.

T&A Rating: 8.5/10