winewaves

Paringa Chardonnay/Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Paringa White is 47% Chardonnay, 38% Semillon, and 15% Sauvignon Blanc

The fruit is sourced from the Hickinbotham's Clarendon estate and other vineyards in South Australia, produced by David and Dena Hickinbotham. Imported by the Grateful Palate. 87.5 points. Color: Light straw. Aromas: Restrained pear, citrus (lime, orange), and cold blossoms. The mouthfeel is light, tart, with a somewhat rounded-off and creamy texture. Flavors of apple, tart lemon-lime and nutty nuances lead to a crisp dry finish with echoes of fruit. Food pairing: Chicken Salad. Closure: Real cork. (A screw cap would be an improvement.) Retail: $11.  Value: Very nice.

Trevor Jones Boots White 2004

Trevor Jones White 2004 is imported by The Grateful Palate, and is a blend of Riesling and Muscat. Winemaker is Trevor Jones. 88 points. Color: Light straw. Pretty floral, lime and pineapple aromas lead to a juicy round mouthfeel, lightly sweet flavor, tart acidity, peachy-apricot flavors and nice minerality. Closure: Screw cap. Retail: $13. Value: Very nice

Four Emus Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2004

Four Emus Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is a Western Australia version of a white Bordeaux. Winemaker is Ross Pamment. 87 points. Color: Pale straw. Aromas: Green grassy, parsley, oregano, peach and citrus (grapefruit. lemon). The mouthfeel is creamy smooth, tart and light. The flavors carry through grapefruit, lemon, melon and grass. The finish cleanses the palate. Food pairing: Deviled eggs with parsley. Closure: Screw cap. Retail: $8. Value: Very nice.

The Stump Jump McLaren Vale White 2004

d'Arenberg's Stump Jump White 2004 is a blend of Riesling (42%), Sauvignon Blanc (40%) and Marsanne (18%).  The vinification includes stainless steel cool fermentation and no oak influence. 89 points. Color: Pale gold with a greenish tint. Aromas: Lime, apple strudel, cold blossoms, herbs and minerals. Mouthfeel: round and viscous, with nice acidity and a lightly off-dry mid-palate.  Lime, peaches, nutty and herb flavors lead to a dry finish. Closure: Screw cap. Retail: $9. Value: Excellent.

Trevor Jones South Australia Virgin Chardonnay 2004

The Grateful Palate imports Trevor Jones Virgin Chardonnay, which is unwooded (hence Virgin). The fermentation is Sur Lie (on the lees), and there is malolactic fermentation. Both of these processes are typically allowed to provide a richer mouthfeel and "smooth" out aggressive tendencies. 89.5 points.  Color: Pale lemon-gold. Here is a brisk Chardonnay, with aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass and candied pineapple, leading to tart lime and citrus peel flavors, somewhat creamy texture and a crisp dry finish. Closure: screw cap. Retail: $18 (Nashville).

Stonehaven Winemaker's Selection South Australia Riesling 2004

Sue Bell is winemaker for this Winemaker's Selection Riesling. This line showcases more varietal character than the Stonehaven grocery store line priced below it. 87 points.  The color is pale straw. There are zippy fresh aromas of apricot jam, green apples, lime rind and minerals. Refreshing on the palate, the flavors confirm the aromas. The mouthfeel is light, with light acidity. The finish is clean, bone-dry and refreshing. The closure is a screw cap. The $9 Nashville price is a real bargain, and a refreshing change of pace from other white wines, and priced well compared to other dry Rieslings.

Wishing Tree Western Australia Unoaked Chardonnay 2004

Wishing Tree is the value brand of Proprietor John Larchet's Australian Premium Wine Collection. The "wishing tree" story: It was an actual oak tree in a park where Larchet's parents told he and his siblings: if they made a wish under this tree, it would come true. 87 points.  The color is a pale straw. This wine is more like an Albarino than a Chardonnay, refreshing and lively, with lime and juicy peach aromas, plus floral and mineral notes. The mouthfeel is crisp, clean and light, with a tart finish. We drank this bottle as an apperitif. The closure is a screw cap. McScrooge's Knoxville price was $8, which is an excellent buy on a crisp unoaked Australian white wine.

Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio Australia 2004

Some days Yellow Tail wines are so popular in the store, that it can get boring just fetching case after case.  Pinot Grigio is a recently added item. 83 points.  The color is pale gold straw. This is a pleasantly light and yet lively dry white wine, with citrus and apricot aromas, followed by creamy smooth yet tart citrus flavors and a clean dry finish. The closure is a synthetic plastic cork. (Difficult to open - Would be improved with a screw cap.) At $7 (Nashville), this isn't a monumental wine, but it is not bad for the price. Why not spend less on the wine and pay off the mortgage sooner?

Marquis Philips Holly's Blend White 2004

This wine is made from Verdelho grapes, grown in and around McLaren Vale. Verdelho is a grape native of Portugal and the island of Madeira, often used for making fortified wines. It is becoming popular in Australia for premium table wines. Here is a tropically styled white, with pineapple and spiced peaches, as well as smoky characteristics in the aromas. The taste in the mouth is juicy yet unsweet, somewhat citrusy tart, lifting the spicy tropical aromas. Finishes well. We have tasted this wine three times. It paired well with grilled chicken breast and pineapple. The closure is a screw cap.

At $10 (Nashville), the price is right to enjoy Holly's Blend this Summer - as an alternative to Chardonnay.

Leasingham Clare Valley Magnus Riesling 2004

Named for one of the Winery founders, Magnus Badger, this wine exemplifies the dry style Australian Riesling that is so popular at home. The color is pale greenish straw.  The aromas are lemon-lime and stone fruit (apricot, peach).  The palate is tart like green apples, and there is a minerality as well.  The finish is crisp, dry, and clean. The closure is a screw cap. At $13 (Nashville), this is an exciting white, underpriced.  Very highly recommended. If you haven't tasted a dry Riesling lately, this is one to try.