Tasting - Little White Goat Sauvignon Blanc

Name: 2022 Little White Goat Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2022
Price: $16.99

Winery review: A zing of passion fruit, lime, orange rind and green herbal notes hit the nose and then carry on to the crisp, lightweight palate. This is a young, tangy wine for knocking back poolside. Christina Pickard 3/1/2024 - 87

Wine Folly: pg. 165 Sauvignon Blanc - A light body with low sweetness levels as mentioned in Wine Folly. Supposed to contain notes of grapefruit, gooseberry, white peach, and passionfruit. This one in particular we tasted at a wine tasting at the local Vintage Wine Cellar, and has notes of lemon and green apple. Also has a very flowery aroma to it. Sauvignon Blancs tend to have a high level of acidity as mentioned in the book and this was definitely the case here.

My review: I thoroughly enjoyed this white wine. Has a quite unique flavor and high level of acidity which I liked. At first taste, it seemed almost sour, but after letting the flavors flourish over the next 15-30 seconds it soothes down and becomes very enjoyable. I like the dryness and low sweetness which is what I tend to prefer. Definitely going to have this one again in the future.

I tasted it on its own without any food pairings.

Tasting - Bonterra Chardonnay

 

Name: 2022 Bonterra Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Hopland, Mendocino County, CA
Country: USA
Year: 2022
Price: $11.99

Winery review: This wine is zesty, lush, with aromas of pineapple, cantaloupe, apricot, white peach, white flowers, white tea, citrus blossoms. The palate is baked apple, pears, dried apricot, fresh caramel, sliding into orange zest, fresh mint, Key lime pie. Pair with a grilled sturgeon with citrus salad. Tonya Pitts 5/1/24 - 93

Wine Folly: pg. 96 Chardonnay - Low acidity and tannins as mentioned in the book for a typical Chardonnay. Wine folly mentioned hints of yellow apple, starfruit, vanilla, and a buttery finish. I was able to taste the yellow apple and especially the smooth butter towards the end of the tasting. No decanting as suggested.

My review: Not a fan of this one. I did not find the combination of flavors to be appealing nor significant. Rather bland (almost watered down) and the butter aftertaste was too strong for my liking. I was hoping for the apple or pineapple flavors to come across more but I did not find that to be the case. There are definitely better Chardonnays in this price range.

I tasted it on its own without any food pairings.

Tasting - Apothic Merlot

Name: 2022 Apothic Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Modesto, California
Country: USA
Year: 2022
Price: $9.99

Winery review: Our elegant and rich Apothic Merlot blends ripe dark fruit characteristics with hints of toasted oak. Emphasizing the best qualities of Merlot, fruit-forward notes of black cherry, boysenberry, blueberry and chocolate feature on the enticingly smooth and layered palate, blending seamlessly with a frame of plush, soft tannins. The long, lingering finish adds a subtle touch of vanilla and coconut from oak aging. Apothic, The Tasting Panel Magazine 12/24 - 91

Wine Folly: pg. 131 Merlot - I got a hint of cherry as suggested and a strong finish of chocolate as well. I noticed subtle tannins as is common in many merlots. However, I did not get any hints of plum (although I'm not quite sure what plum tastes like), dried herbs, or vanilla. Did not let the wine decant for 30 minutes either as suggested, will have to remember that for next time.

My review: Good not great. I found the flavor profiles to be rather simple, each one blending together rather than presenting themselves during each phase of my tasting. I did like the subtle chocolate hints and cherry though. For the price of $9.99, it's a good wine to keep at home in case of emergencies.

I tasted it on its own without any food pairings.