Hook & Ladder Tillerman Russian River White 2005

Some of you will be trying to guess the blend; others will just relish in the discovery of such a great affordable alternative white wine with a delicious personality. It's not sweet at all but neither does it turn your mouth inside out on the way to its refreshing finish.

Cecil DeLoach made 2400 cases of Hook & Ladder Tillerman White 2005, which I'm guessing includes Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. The processing definitely didn't include any oak.

Excellent value ($14). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 13.8%.

Style: Unoaked, crisp, dry, somewhat tropical and very refreshing.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Light golden straw. Aromas: Apricot, peach, grass and hints of pineapple. On the tongue, the feeling is tart, dry and light-to-medium bodied. The fruit forward palate carries through the aromas with nice acidity leading to a refreshing finish.

Comment: A great wine for a wine aficionado and his mother on vacation at her house in Holden Beach, North Carolina (view pictured above). I can say it was great with some very fresh grouper and field fresh vegetables.

Winewaves reviewed Hook & Ladder Gewurztraminer in April, 2007.