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Though it may not feel like it everywhere, spring is coming next month. So even if you’re dealing with snow or heavy, gray skies now, there’s no reason you can’t stock up on some lovely white wines from California that will be perfect to sip on once warm weather has arrived. Here are a handful that our panel sampled recently:
Yorkville Cellars 2013 “Eleanor of Aquitaine” White
Grape(s): 70% Semillon & 30% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendocino County, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of peach, apricot, and apple meld with nuances of honey on the nose. Notes of pear, apple, and peach come together with hints of white blossoms and honey on the palate. A rich blend with a welcoming acidity, pair a bottle with your favorite shell fish in a light cream sauce. Fewer than 500 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Yorkville Cellars 2013 “Amber Folly” White
Grape(s): 100% Semillon
Region: Mendocino County, Ca
Price:
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of apricot, pear, and a hint of honey rises up from a glass. Flavors of apricot, pear, and citrus fruits emerge with accents of sweet spice, honey, and minerals on the palate. A mouth-filling white with a fresh acidity, enjoy a bottle on a lovely spring afternoon. Under 300 cases were made.
Rating: 88
McGrail Vineyards 2013 Chandler Vineyard Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of peach, apricot, and pineapple mingle with hints of vanilla and caramel on the nose. Flavors of apricot and tropical fruit open up into notes of butter and lemon-custard on the palate. Bright, yet a bit creamy, it’s a Chardonnay that delivers a nice balance. 735 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Midnight Cellars 2013 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of apples, pears, vanilla, and a slight herbaceous note rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of crisp pear and tart apple are accented by hints of vanilla, minerals, and orange spice. Bright flavors and a fresh acidity make this a food friendly wine. 800 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Sierra Vista 2013 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of pineapple, lemon custard, and buttery oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of tropical fruit, pear, and lemon with an accent of fresh cream. A balanced acidity and round mouth-feel make this a very approachable wine.750 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: North Coast
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of Meyer lemon, Key lime, and gooseberries mingle with a hints of grass and custard on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bright citrus fruits that flow into suggestions of honey and cream. An easy going Sauvignon, fans of almost sweet whites ought to try this bottle. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 88
