Attributes:

Hanna

Sonoma County, United States

Merlot

750 ML

2003: CGCW Rating: 84

simple

2001: CGCW Rating: 88

oak

juicy

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 83

fresh, tart

currant, herb, oak

creamy

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86

supple

black cherry, cedar, currant, herb, mineral, vanilla

ripe

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 88

fresh

black currant, herb flavors, plum, toasty oak

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88

rich

chocolate, plum

concentrated, ripe

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 85

solid

black currant, herbal, mocha

1997: WineAdvocate Rating: 86

medium-bodied

rustic

Food Matches:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.

Attributes:

Domaine Girard

Sancerre, France

Sauvignon Blanc

750 ML

2006: WineSpectator Rating: 84

soft

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 90

lime, mineral

2004: WineAndSpirits Rating: 92

powerful

green apple, tangerine, tea

juicy, sweet

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

racy

almond, citrus, melon, orange

ripe

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 88

fresh

round

2002: Tanzer Rating: 89

light

stylish

citrus, flowers, fresh herbs, grapefruit, mint, orange, stone

juicy, ripe

1998: WineSpectator Rating: 86

clean

pleasant

apple, herbal, pear

1996: WineSpectator Rating: 88

clean, crisp

focused

butter, flint, grapefruit, melon

juicy

Food Matches:

(sahn sehr)—This ancient town in the Loire Valley has been growing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes for centuries. The whites are fragrant and dry, very much like Pouilly-Fumé. The reds are light with berry flavors and the rosé is soft and dry.

Comes mostly from California, France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Its highly acidic wines are often suggestive of herbs or grass. Light to medium bodied and usually dry, European versions are generally not oaky while California Sauvignon Blanc can take on many of the qualities of Chardonnay. France has two classic wine regions for the Sauvignon Blanc gape: Bordeaux and the Loire Valley The Bordeaux wine is called Bordeaux Blanc and the two best known of the Loire wines are called Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes blended with Sémillon.

Attributes:

Kleoni

Greece, Other

Rose

750 ML

Food Matches:

Greece is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world. The earliest evidence of Greek wine has been dated to 6,500 years ago where wine was produced on a household or communal basis. At that time wine was exported to Europe as a treasured drink, but now days it is competing in a world market. In the 1960's Retsina put Greece back on the map and became their national beverage. Important Regions Include Macedonia, Patras, Santorini, Samos, Crete, and the Agean Islands.