10,000 Vinyasas

2005 Yellow Tail Chardonnay Reserve…yuck! I understand the differences between California and Australian chardonnays, but still, this one is just aged and failing. If you want value, stick to the regular Yellow Tail; it’s rough, but at least its not overpriced.

2006 Sawbuck Chardonnay (Medocino County). Eschews the traditional “oaky” California version, but still, lacks complexity and balance.

2007 Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc (Central Coast, California). Do these people know what good sauvignon blanc is? Obviously not.

Ok, a perennial favorite activity of mine is to monitor my local grocery chain and try to gauge when certain wines that have, shall we say, gotten a little elderly, are placed on the clearance rack and marked down 50% (more if you buy 6). In my mind, it’s a great opportunity to try some wines that you wouldn’t ordinarily get to experience. We had such an event recently and I spent an enormous amount of money, but got an amazing variety of wines. Here are impressions of two I tried recently…

Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (California 2006). A poor example of the varietal. Flat, no structure, no discernable fruit. Not really a bargain.

Natura Organic Sauvignon Blanc (Chile 2007). Now we’re talking! This one rivals New Zealand’s Marlborough region for its distinctive grapefruit, grassy, tart flavors. Outstanding at $5.00.