NORA Rias Baixas 2014 Albariño (Spain), $12.74-$16.99, 86 points, was a straw yellow color.
The aroma was basically that of apple pie.
Light-bodied with fair acidity managed a straight-forward flavor profile of McIntosh apple, white blossoms, and hints of cumquat.
Finished okay on citrus notes, the trailing palate, and a well-integrated 13% alcohol.
Paired well with my Maine lobster tails.
I would consider this to be an everyday white table wine, but what sets this wine apart is its apropos table-setting gravitas (how cool is this label at a clambake!).
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Storybook Mountain Vineyards Mayacamas Range 2012 Zinfandel, $29.74-$34.99, 91 points, poured a rainbow of bright red colors with flashes of maroon up to the broad clear wine ring at and teary glass bowl.
Aromatic aromas of clove, cinnamon, blueberries, red raspberries, and a floral component were outstanding.
Medium-bodied, well balanced, appropriately acidic, light-sweet tannins, and wild flavors accented with a warm 14.9% alcohol which carried, with a retrained white pepper, into the long finish.
Paired perfectly with my rare spiced rib-eye and red-skin mashed potatoes whipped with butter and baby spinach.
This is a lighter styled Zinfandel than say Russian river Zinfandels, but it is not lighter in flavor or in quality.
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Penner~Ash 2014 Viognier, $23.79-$29.99, 90 points, was a pale golden color trailing water-clear at the glass edge.
Aromatic tangerine and pome blossoms were excellent while cold, but faded as the wine warmed.
Light, crisp, acidic, but softer than a typical Cali Sauvignon Blanc made this Viognier white wine a delight with my fried jumbo shrimp.
Flavors of tangerine with hints of tart cumquat, lime, wet stone, flowers, and black pepper were refreshing.
Finished long on the lingering palate with a dangerous 14.5% alcohol.
What I love about good Viognier is its delicate sophistication, its acidity, and complexity; when a very good one like this comes around, you just might want to think outside the box.
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Trimbach Alsace 2013 Gewürztraminer,
$16.14-$20.99, 90 points,
poured a light golden color.
Shy aromas of orange peel, sweet apples, pome blossoms, and wet stones were excellent.
Light-plus rather dry body with fair acidity managed good flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on hints of lemon, tangerine, intense minerality, ginger notes, and a potent 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy orange beef.
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Château Beauchêne Le Pavillon du Côtes du Rhône 2015 Rosé, $10.19-$13.99, 87 points, was a pale peach pink grading water clear at the glass edge.
Profuse strawberry aroma was accented by a gentle perfumed floral note.
Light-body with good acidity managed a straight-forward flavor profile of bright red fruits with hints of flowers.
Finished well with hints of white pepper, red cherry, watermelon rind, kiwi, and a rather dry 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy chili.
Varietals were 40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah.
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Marc Brédif 2014 Vouvray, $16.14-$21.99, 90 points, poured a bright brass color grading water-clear near the glass bowl.
Aromatic pepper and a floral array were quite good.
Light, crisp, and acidic body carried a complex flavor profile of pome fruit with hints of tangerine, lemon, and passion fruit.
Finished long on key lime, lemon meringue, a hint of pineapple, white pepper notes, and a flush 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my broiled Halibut.
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