Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2009

more warm weather patio pounders? with temperatures getting into the 70's, i say yes! this lovely white comes from langtry estate in california, north of napa. the wine is 100% sauvignon blanc. the nose has some nice tropical fruit and citrus, as well as some mineral aromas. the palate is loaded with pineapple and guava. there is also some grassy flavors and some nice earthy, mineral notes. the wine is fresh and crisp and is perfect for sipping while enjoying warm weather and the foods that go with it, like salads and light seafood. sells for about $10.

Monte Volpe Primo Bianco 2009

with the warm weather and temps nearing triple digits, crisp white wines are the order of the day. this one is a keeper. a blend of pinot grigio, tocai friulani, sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, chenin blanc, and arneis, this white has aromas of bananas, melon, mineral, and tropical fruit. very nice start. the palate is bursting with pineapple, pear, a little grapefruit, and minerals. a little tart and a nice little kiss of sweetness in the finish. nice silky mouth feel and lingering finish. good food wine. try this with cheese, barbecued chicken on the grill, or summer salads. sells for the bargain price of $10.

A to Z 2008 Pinot Blanc

a little white wine during the colder months can cleanse the palate and prepare you for more good red wine. gave this offering from A to Z a try recently. i have enjoyed some of their other varietals so i was hoping this one would be on par with the fine work they have previously produced. the nose was full of citrus, melon, and minerals. good start! the palate was an initial explosion of pineapple, followed by peaches and floral flavors, finishing in crisp mineral notes. a nice, well balanced white wine that sells for about $12-14 and will pair with tomato based pasta dishes or seafood.

Vevi Rueda 2008

i tried this spanish white at a recent tasting. the blend was mostly verdejo with some viura mixed in as well. at a price of about $10, it fit the budget side of my brain. another possible summer time patio pounder??? the nose was very bright with lemon, melon and grapefruit. the flavor was very citrus with pineapple and a little grapefruit and lemon. i also picked up a little guava. actually a very complex little white. some mineral notes and a nice crisp finish left me wanting more. this would work really well with summer fare like seafood. well worth the price.

Three Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2008

i seem to be on a bit of an aussie/new zealand kick lately, so i'll stay there for another one. this sauv blanc hails from the new zealand marlborough region. this falls into that tropical fruit style of sauv blanc, so if you are a fan, this one is worth the try. the nose was pineapple, citrus, especially grapefruit, and a little mineral note. the flavor was full and fruity, with pineapple, passion fruit, honey and a nice crisp citrus finish. a patio pounder for sure. the wine sells for about $12-14 and will be on the baldwinegeek table this summer. excellent white for the money.

Torres Vina Sol 2007

a second wine from a tasting this past weekend. this time a white from the spanish winery. the grape is parellada, which is typically used in sparkling wines from this region. here in a still wine, it truly shines with a crisp, clean taste. the nose was floral with hints of spice and some light apple aroma. the palate was very light and slightly dry with flavors of apple and pineapple. there was also a little spicy note of fennel as well. this is one i will have to remember for the coming warm weather months. a real nice deck wine that will go well with summer foods. and the price was nice at $8, although i got it on sale so it may be a few dollars more wherever you buy wine.