Comments on: Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:14:54 +0000

Awesome input, Dan. Thanks again for all the good comments.

By: Dan G Erken

Dan G Erken — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:43:47 +0000

OK. I have many pans and one previously unmentioned pick from a tasting on 2/23/08.
The only good news is my pick regarding the '06 Altos Hormigas Malbec @ $7.99. I concur with the 90 already awarded to this wine from Wine Advocate. Many well-integrated flavors and aromas.

Here are my pans. In the interst of saving others $$$$$, I recommend staying away from these--they tasted like losers to me:
a) '06 Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay @ $9.99
b) '06 Beringer Third Century Pinot Noir @ $9.99
c) '04 Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz @ $9.99 [WS 90}
d) '06 Pomelo Sauvigno Blanc @ $9.99
e) '06 Montevino Pinot Grigio @ $7.99
f) '05 Nine North 10 Mile Red Table $7.99

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:59:11 +0000

Thanks for the clarification. I’ve also noticed that I never see any wines from Veramonte that aren’t “Reserva”.

By: Dan G Erken

Dan G Erken — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:52:09 +0000

I’ve checked the label for this SB and wish to clarify that I should Have been referring to this refreshing wine as the 2007 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc “Reserva”. I haven’t seen nor tasted a non reserva Veramonte SB. Same great price $7.99 to $8.99 locally.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:29:55 +0000

OK. You’ve convinced me. The 07 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc is on my “to be tasted” list.

By: Dan G Erken

Dan G Erken — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:38:33 +0000

Tim,

It looks like Wine & Spirits recently awarded the 07 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 91 pts

I spotted this tidbit when reading on the web about a tasting event named "Top Wines Under $10" on Sat 2/23/08. It's being conducted storewide by a large chain of alcoholic beverages stores here in California and Arizona called BEVMO.The Veramonte SB is one of the featured wines, as well as the the WS 90PTS 2004 Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz. The tasting cost is low, pretty much way south of $5. However,if you go, I recommend you bring your own glass because they usually pour into plastic cups, at least that's what they do at the local store near me. They often serve cheese and crackers, too, but no guarantees. And hopefully we'll be lucky, and they'll pour the vintages that won the high scores. 12 noon to 3:00 pm locally.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:50:10 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Dan. I haven’t had the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, I’ll have to try it. I did try the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier with a seafood soup I had for my Christmas dinner. It recall it was quite good, but I didn’t take formal tasting notes… it was at Christmas dinner afterall.

By: Dan G Erken

Dan G Erken — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:52:51 +0000

I recently tasted the latest Veramonte sauvignon blanc. What a delightful surprsie. Lots of zingy acidity w/ lemon and lime flavors. It reminded me of any very, very good new zealand SB. I'd rate it a 90+ and I think the price is around, and possibly under, $10.

Another delightful and surprising white I've recently discovered is the 2007 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier (80%/20%) with bright acidity again and a very, very agreeable flavor of red grapefruit. I'm down to 2 bottles from my first case and have already grabbed another. It's young, alluring and full of brightness. I hope you get a chance to try this one from Napa Valley AVA and available here locally in Southern California at a price of $9.99. I don't see how any other white under $10 can beat this one for wine of the year in my book.

Best,

Dan