Campello Pinot Grigrio Other words on the label: Delle Venezie Indicazione geografica tipica There’s a hint of green to the hue of the wine. Kiwi and vanilla twirl about in the nose and on the palate. Unobtrusive, and I’m glad it doesn’t taste like soup.

Chalone Vineyard Other words on the label: Monterey County 2004 Chardonnay This review may be skewed because everything tastes like grapefruit lately. Which means that grapefruit, of course, is the most prominent flavor in this wine. Extracting that acidity, here are the rest: The nose is sweet with a hint of lime while first sip
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Casillero del Diablo Reserve Chardonnay Other words on the label: 2005 East Coast Casillero del Diablo’s labels tell a story of their vintner keeping a reserve stash in the devil’s cellar. More sugary than an average chardonnay, it makes me wonder if the devil doesn’t have a sweet tooth. The nose brings to mind a
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Monkey Bay Chardonnay Other words on the label: New Zealand Vintage 2004 East Coast I was excited the moment I read the back of the label and learned that “the legendary monkey, once believed to inhabit this secluded spot, has truly been brought to life through this exciting range of wines.” Wow, I thought. If
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Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc Other stuff on the label: 2003 California This white wine tastes like a lemon tart, complete with the crust intact. After you drink a slice, though, you are left wondering where the pears and cinnamon came in. It’s tasty.

Renwood 2002 Viognier Other stuff on the label: Select Series, Lodi This white tastes like creme brulee that’s finished with a splash of orange juice. It has a sweet and sourness to it, like a buttery mixture of vanilla, pineapple, and allspice. The smell is leafy, which doesn’t at all fit with the taste, but
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Pacific Rim Dry Riesling Other stuff on the label: Bonny Doon Vineyard I don’t often comment on labels but this one deserves special attention. The artwork is quite perplexing and I can’t hazard a guess as to its meaning. Just let it be said that the Santa Cruz area, where Bonny Doon Winery is housed,
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Twin Fin Other words on the label: 2004 Pinot Grigio, California Taste: Overall, the taste is a bit watery thin with a sharp undertone. There’s definitely a presence of slightly browned green apples. You can taste it in the texture of a sip as well. I also taste underlying grapefruit, not to too tart, with
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