Ah, spring! Despite the pollen and the frequent rain, I love this time of year. There are so many refreshing and mouth-watering whites, roses and even reds that I look forward to enjoying each spring that sometime I lose track. Thanks to my diligent and tireless wine reps I am bombarded by a wonderful and endless parade of lightweight tropical Chardonnays, zesty herbal Sauvignon Blancs, and vibrant racy Rieslings that practically crackle on the palate with an almost lightening like intensity. So to celebrate the warm weather I though I’d share some of my tasting notes on these fabulous warm weather sippers.
(As a side note, three of the four wines mentioned below are from the same region. I chose these wine totally independent of one another simply for the fact that I love them- I guess that says good things for the amazing value and quality of wine from South Africa!)
***
2009 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose $11.99
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Woah. This is not your mamma’s rose. Intense flavors of dried black currants and tart black cherries are followed by a kick of white pepper and then oodles of dark ripe berry fruit. The finish is impressively long and seductive. A rose that you have to let breathe in order to fully appreciate all of the awesome layers of flavor.
Indaba Chardonnay $8.99
Western Cape, South Africa
When I mentioned tropical Chardonnays earlier this is exactly what I was talking about. A riotous jumble of pineapple, pear, mango and banana is tempered by just a hint of creamy oak and a crisp citrus driven finish. This is a fantastic wine just to sip on the back porch, but it’s a natch for pairing with salads and seafood.
Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc $8.99
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Don’t get me wrong…there are quite a few South African reds that I like…but there is just something about their inexpensive whites- especially those in the under $10 category- that really can’t be beat as far as value for the money. When people ask me to describe this wine it’s pretty simple- it’s key lime pie in a glass. Sweet zesty lime? Check. Bright acidity? Check. Just a touch of sweetness and creaminess on the finish? Check!
Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles $8.99
Paso Robles, California
I will always have a weakness for the wines of Central California- it’s where four generations of my family were born and raised. But the fact of the matter is that it’s also a great place to find some killer deals, thanks to land prices there being cheaper than in Napa and Sonoma. I love this little red blend for its juicy plump berry flavors and its soft tannins. It’s a fantastic pizza/barbecue/burger red that can be served slightly chilled- the cooler temperature really makes the berry flavors pop!
