Wine: USA, Under $15
Results
Gruet Blanc de Noir 375 ml
The Gruet family are originally from the Champagne region in France but this is their US (New Mexico!) venture. Shows lemon and lime tang, with a touch of creaminess. Crisp, dry and one of the best American sparkling wines. It gets a party starting off right.
Shinn Estates Red
NY Times wine writer Eric Asimov is a fan, and so are we. Husband and wife team, Barbara Shinn and David Page, came from a NYC restaurant background, they chucked it all and moved to LI to make subtle, terroir-driven wine, made from Bordeaux varieties. Blackberry and touches of blueberry fruit on the palate with a touch of Cab Franc goodness on the finish, from the best producer on Long Island.
Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc
These guys practice organic and biodynamic farming. Their aim is to make wines that show grace and balance while still offering the warm fruit that has become Napa Valley's signature. This Sauvignon Blanc is bright and refreshing with lots of stone fruit character on the nose. It's lean with vibrant acidity with lip smacking citrus finish.
Winemaking Details: Stainless Steel Tank Fermentation, Natural Yeast, Hand Harvested
Montinore Pinot Gris
Montinore practices biodynamic farming because they feel it consistently produces some of the best fruit. Dry, aromatic and crisp with hints of lemon on the palate.
Eve Chardonnay
This is from Charles Smith: The Modernist Project, an outfit that aims to shed all pretensions in an effort to simply make wine fun. Smith is a big-haired dude and former band manager. His Walla Walla wines are as badass as they are easy to drink. This Chardonnay is creamy and oaky, yet well-balanced with a touch of green apple.
Dashe Cellars Dry Creek Zinfandel
Michael and Anne, the husband and wife team whimsically portrayed on their label, found Dashe Cellars in the same year they were married. Their carefully crafted wines show their passion and the wealth of knowledge in fine winemaking. This one is a classic example of a Dry Creek Zin, elegant and balanced with velvety mouthfeel. Complex aromas of black cherry, cassis and spices with flavors of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, clove, chocolate with lingering finish. Winemaking Details: Wild Yeast Fermentation, Unfiltered, Unfined
Shinn Coalescence
This is an all stainless steel fermented winemakers blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, white pinot noir, and merlot blanc showcasing a refreshing style with a splash of fruit followed with a zing of acidity. Clean vibrant citrus notes add complexity to the fresh & juicy finish. Winemaking Details: Stainless Steel Tank Fermentation