Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2008 Chardonnay, $13.59-$20.99, 87+ points, was a dark copper-gold color (darkest Chardonnay I've seen) trending gray toward the glass shallows.
The underwhelming aromas were cantaloupe, apple, and toast, not bad, just okay.
Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity (crisper than many a Cali Chardonnay) with flavors reflective of the aromas, a hint of caramel, and melon.
Finished well on white pepper, tart citrus, and the formidable 14.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with Den's pork-chop/bacon goulash.
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Muga Rioja Reserva 2010 Tempranillo, $20.99-$22.99, 91 points, poured core-black trending a deep purple/red with flashes of maroon toward the leggy glass wall and clear wine ring.
Redolent aromas of red and black cherry, earth, and subtle sea breezes were very good.
Medium-plus bodied with a near perfect balance of acidity with tannin, robust flavors of black tea, cherry and savory notes, a hint of oak and cardamom.
Finished long with a still slightly drying tannin, the trailing palate, and a well integrated, but warm 14% alcohol.
If you like a good Chianti, you just might want to try this one.
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Sensi 18K Pure Gold 2014 Brut Prosecco (Veneto, Italy), $17.99-$22.99, 93 points, was the best Prosecco I've had.
I want to point out some aspects of this Prosecco that contrasts to most others I've tasted; it is a vintage wine (Grapes grown and vinified only in one season), Brut (Very dry), creamy, fruit forward (pear, apple, and apricot), vanilla notes with more and smaller bubbles than I'm used to.
The nose was a gentle floral, but almost perfume like aroma with a hint of olives and apples.
Typically crisp with good acidity, this light-bodied white wine totally surpassed my pairing challenge of wine with sardines.
Finished long on the trailing palate and the well integrated 11% alcohol.
A little more expensive than most, but certainly worth it!
Also typical was the light brass color trending clear at the glass shallows.
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Clos Lachance Central Coast 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.00, 86 points, was a very light, almost water clear, brass color with the slightest hint of lime green.
The first whiff of the aroma was a lovely peach with just a hint of citrus and honeysuckle.
Light-bodied with typically good acidity, and though a bit thin, acceptable flavors reflective of the nose were okay, but not quite enough intensity to pair appropriately with my fried haddock.
Finished unremarkable on the trailing palate, just a hint of ginger and the 13.5% alcohol.
Bought at the Derry Hannaford's Super Market.
With over forty 2013 vintage Cali Sauvignon Blanc wines tasted, this is my updated: Best of 2013 Cali SB
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Beringer 2012 Chenin Blanc, $4.24-$6.99, 83 points, was a light brass color with a lime green tint and trending clear at the glass shallows.
Subtle smells of cantaloupe, apple, vanilla, and orange were okay.
The light-plus body, though a bit watery, carried fair to good acidity and flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and little else besides the 11.5% alcohol.
Off -dry white wine that paired okay with my BLT on white bread.
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Château De La Dauphine Fronsac Grand Vin 2008 Bordeaux Red Wine, $20.39-$23.99, 89+ points, poured core-black trending rosewood red at the thin clear wine ring.
Aromatic woody black currant, blackberry, and an earthy cedar were good.
Medium-plus body smoothly carried good acidity with grainy supportive tannin.
Flavors were reflective of the aromas with a hint of anise.
Finished well on an escalating tannin, spice, and the 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced porterhouse steak.
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Alphonse Dolly 2013 Sancerre, $18.89-$2299, 92 points, poured a light brass color trending water clear at the glass shallows.
A lovely pome aroma with the fragrance of orchard blossoms, just a hint of honeysuckle, and smoky apple-wood were outstanding.
Light-bodied, crisp, acidic, and stony characteristics carried flavors of cumquat, lemon oil, and a floral component.
Finished very long on the trailing palate with a hint of lime, white pepper, ginger, and a well integrated 12.5% alcohol.
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