A comparative approach to winemaking in different continents and regions, showcasing different styles. Produced in two sets, February and March 2008.

California’s Jewel Collection, California, Viognier 2005

Mandola Estate Winery, Texas, Viognier, 2006

• The Californian Viogner had a richer color, and the scent was quite more tropical.  A light to medium body Viogner, with some acidity and just short tannings, probably due to a short contact with wood. Pineapple and nectarine nose.

• The Viogner from the Texan winery was pale straw in color, a nose a little more floral or herbacious. It was more acidic, and had hints of pear and citrus. However, very clean and crisp, aged in stainless steel.

Pierre Sparr, Alsace, Gewurztraminer, 2005

Llano Estacado, Texas, ”Vintner’s Selection” Gewurztraminer, NV

• The Alsacian Gewurztraminer in this case was quite pale, and just a tad spritzy, one could taste minerals, along small hints of white flowers and light fruit. Great acidity, and quite an enjoyable wine.

• Estacado’s wine was just a touch off-dry with a little perceivable residual sugar. A little more body, and a light honey color in this wine. Very floral and aromatic overall.

Dominique Pabiot, Pouilly-Fumé, “Les Vielles Terres” 2005

Brancott, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc, 2006

• The wine of the Loire was light and crisp. It had a nice golden straw color, and it had a nose of midway floral midway herbal. It would have been fantastic with mussels, fresh oysters or fish.

• The wine from ‘Down Down Under’  had tropical characteristics, yet it was till nice and crips. Perhaps a little oakyness gave it a heavier body and firmer color. Overall a delightful wine from Sauvignon Blanc!

 Louis Jadot, Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, 2005

• Louis Jadot makes some of my favorite red wines. This Burgundy wine was no exception. It had a nice scarlet color. It was not too light and not too heavy. Plenty of red fruit, and floral nose.

Casa Lapostolle, Rapel Valley, 2003

Christian Moueix, Bordeaux, 2003

• The Chilean Merlot was ready to drink, although some more time in the bottle would not have hurt much. A rich, smooth wine with hints of violet and dark fruit. Oak was not overpowering, a great wine for the price. Ready to marry almost any plate of meat.

• Moueix’s Merlot was nonetheless a Bordeaux – and there is something in the air where those grapes grow that make them taste of the old world, so to speak. An incomprable earthyness , juicy dark plums, and dark cherry.

tasting notes to come for the following:

Zenato,Delle Venezie, Pinot Grigio, 2003

Gilia, Gabbia D’Oro, Pinot Grigio, 2006

Serenity, Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay, 2004

Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages, 2006
Santa Rita, Maipo Valley,”Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004

Apaltagua, Colchagua Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005