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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/63431
CHEERS WINE PANEL Refreshing Summer Whites here are a wide range of wines that can be delicious for summer sipping. These crisp wines also tend to pair well with a wide range of foods. T (96) Catena Alta Chardonnay 2009 (Argentina). Sourced from two vineyard locations (Adrianna and Domingo), this wine bursts with beautiful lemon and citrus fruit flavors on the nose; notes of toast, vanilla and caramel carry over to the palate with an elegant, seamless cornucopia of flavors that lasts forever. ($29) (96) Vieux Telegraph Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 (France). Elegance, craft and style manifest themselves in this beautiful Southern Rhône blend; driven by grenache blanc and balanced with minerality from the rocky soil, it is fresh and enjoyable now but will age beautifully for at least 10 years. ($85) (95) Buty White 2010 (Washington State). A beautiful white Bordeaux blend, with each grape varietal bringing a unique element to the wine; the semillon (61%) provides rich body and velvety mouth-feel; the sauvignon blanc (21%) provides zingy acidity and citrus notes; and the muscadelle (18%) fills the bouquet with gorgeous notes of fresh rose petals and lavender; balanced and fresh. ($26) (95) La Sirena Muscato Azul 2008 (California). Noted winemaker Heidi Barrett makes this dry style of muscat showing a vast array of different tropical, peach and citrus fruit on the nose; highlighted by brilliant acidity on the palate, the wine is fresh and clean. ($27) (94) Château des Proms Bellevue Graves Bordeaux Blanc Cuvee 2010 (France). Classic, Old World White Graves; 80% semillon, 10% sauvignon blanc and 10% sauvignon gris; delicate floral bouquet leads to a rich, full palate with hints of melon and fig with a refreshing touch of citrus; the unique "flint" of the terroir of Graves shows beautifully on the finish; will complement most any light cuisine, exceptional value. ($13) (93) Besitos D.O. Valencia Moscato 2010 (Spain). If you enjoy Moscato d'Asti from Italy, this will delight you; like its Italian cousins, it's lightly effervescent (frizzante), but more delicate and not quite as sweet; aromas and flavors of peach, apricot and nectarine harmonize into a delectable summer sipper. ($10) (93) Dom Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2010 (France). Great Chablis from a classic vintage; 42 | MAY 2012 impressive minerality and fruit on the long finish; fruit shows pure lemon and resin notes. ($59) (93) Elsa Bianchi Mendoza Torrontés 2011 (Argentina). Argentina's uniquely interesting white variety yields some lovely wines and this is an excellent example; nuances of wildflowers, jasmine, peach and orange zest are characteristic; the acidity is crisp and racy; the finish is not- quite-dry; a good match with Asian cuisine or dishes with fruit glaze. ($12) (93) St. Innocent Pinot Gris 2010 (Oregon). This is a 100 percent estate-grown pinot gris from the Willamette Valley showing good richness and complexity; slightly barrel fermented and aged on the lees for eight months gives this summer white a rich mouth-feel without compromising the racy acidity or spice notes; white peach, Asian pear and a tinge of sweetness are irresistible. ($22) (92) Bourillon Dorleans Demi-Sec Vouvray 2010 (France). Aromatic, with hints of white peaches; easy to quaff and wonderful with a simple plate of fruit and cheese or poached scallops; an exceptional wine. ($17). (92) Eric Chevalier Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu 2010 (France). Elegant but vibrant; tiny bit of spritz upon opening gives a welcome to the Melon de Bourgogne grape worth knowing better; the beautiful minerality of this true "sur-lies" Muscadet matches perfectly with seafood or bi-valves. ($23) (92) Firesteed Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon). Produced from grapes grown in the Willamette and Rogue Valleys, this is a great example of Oregon's premier white wine; a lush, creamy texture with aromas and flavors of peach, melon, anise and citrus with a hint of mineral on the finish; pair with cold, smoked salmon. ($14) (92) Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (California). The wine sparkles in the glass, with brilliant straw notes; brightly scented fruit cocktail on the nose, with plenty of citrus and tree fruit notes, which are echoed on the palate, with refreshing acidity and lots of citrus flavors; the mouth-feel is round and full, and the finish is lengthy and balanced; great with grilled fish and vegetables. ($17) (92) Frog's Leap Rutherford Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (California). A classic sauvignon banc; hints of melon and grapefruit and wonderful acidity give this wine a great pop for summer drinking. ($21) www.cheersonline.com