When one thinks of excellent Sauvignon Blanc’s being produced in the world today, one does not need to stray far in thinking of New Zealand. The Marlborough wine region in New Zealand is ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc, with long hours of sunshine and a cool climate, the grapes have a long hang time on the vines, which allows for intensified flavor.
Whitehaven Winery was founded in 1994, and the grapes used in the production of their wines are sourced only from the Marlborough wine region. The 2010 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc has wonderful aromas of pink grapefruit and lemon zest, followed by aromas of cut grass. On the palate this wine exhibits flavors of grapefruit, lemon, tropical fruit, a nice minerality, and finishes with a delightful herbaceousness. The 2010 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing, well balanced, with a clean crisp acidity.

Jon

The Flying Fish label is part of the Click Wine Group based out of Seattle, Washington. The Flying Fish wine making team selects premium grapes from various vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley AVA. By choosing grapes from different vineyards and locales, the philosophy is that each of the vineyards has its own micro-climate, and will add a varying distinctiveness to the wine.
In the glass the 2010 Flying Fish Merlot has a garnet red color to it, and the aromas are of cherries, red berries and a trace of cloves. In the mouth the flavors are of tart cherries, red berries, followed by vanilla, and a hint of cloves. This is a medium-bodied Merlot, with a medium finish, and soft tannins. For the price of around $12, this is a decent tasting Merlot.

Of late I have been on a Petite Sirah kick, and I thoroughly enjoy the wines made from this grape variety. Petite Sirah is a cross with the Peloursin and Syrah grapes, and its proper name is Durif, but few call it by that name. The 2009 Cartlidge & Browne Petite Sirah is a deep, dark purple in the glass, with aromas of cherries, plums, and spice. The flavor profile is of black cherries, black plums, blackberries, nutmeg, and a slight hint of oak. This Petite Sirah has a nice jamminess to it, is medium to full-bodied, and the tannins are smooth.

Jon

I have been a fan of Malbec for years, and Argentina continues to produce wonderful Malbec’s that are both good in quality, and are also affordable. For the past several years the Malbec varietal has been one of the hottest red wines on the market. This once minor blending partner from Bordeaux has taken off as a stand-alone varietal, and has found a wonderful home in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina.
In sampling the 2010 Septima Malbec, this is a fruit foward Malbec. In the glass ths wine had a deep ruby red color to it, and the aromas were of cherries, red berries, floral, and wood. The flavor profile followed the aromas with cherries, raspberries, nuts, and wood. The tannins were soft, and this Malbec had a medium finish. The Argentinians are once again proving that a good wine does not have to be an expensive wine, as this was under $10 a bottle.

Jon