Check the front label on New Zealand wine bottles these days. You’re seeing a lot of “Marlborough” on them — the hotbed for wine production on the South Island, where Sauvignon Blanc rules Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s flagship wine, outpacing Chardonnay and other aromatic whites. And let’s not forget the other star — Pinot … Continue Reading →
Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley Chile 2011, $12: American wine critics are over the moon about this one, and for good reason: the passionate bottle design and the flavor explosion of crisp-tart lime, grapefruit, floral notes and herbaceous tones with lovely texture on the midpalate. It’s dry and assertive, with character skewed to experienced … Continue Reading →
Yes, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is a large commercial winery in Lodi, Calif., that makes oceans of wine. When Robert Mondavi owned it, it bankrolled his ventures in Napa Valley. Today, it sails along just fine, owned by a huge conglomerate, making reliable wines under $10. But of all the 2011 white wine releases, I … Continue Reading →