For this tasting, we focused on the differences in qualty in white wines. We picked three varietals, two wines of each varietal served blind and in pairs; one of each was significantly more expensive (and thus theoretically higher quality). This was a fun tasting, and everyone enjoyed the blind aspect of it. Most people had a lot of difficulty picking the more expensive wine, which was interesting (and educational; once they knew what to look for and what the elements of a quality wine are, it got a lot easier).
Hanna 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($16.95): Crisp, citrus, high acid, zingy, slightly grassy, good minerality, long finish. Very well made cool-climate CA Sauv Blanc, with lots of fruit. This was the hardest pair for people to get right because the Hanna is a very nice wine at a reasonable price
Rochioli 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($34.95): The big difference that should have tipped people off is the partial barrel fermentation and oak aging – it added a depth of spiciness and structure, while the aging on lees in small barrels gave the wine a creaminess and richness that the Hanna didn’t have. Still great acidity and typicity; this was a lovely wine. Twice as good as the Hanna? Not at all, but definitely an exponential level up.
Dreyer 2006 Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($12.50): Clean and smooth, with pear and apple flavors and just a hint of oak. Not complex, but well made and doesn’t taste cheap. A great everyday Chardonnay.
Planeta 2005 Chardonnay, Sicily ($41.95): A bizarre wine. The color was deep gold; it looked totally oxidized and over the hill. Nose was bananas foster, with ripe roasted banana, brown sugar, and vanilla; the wine seemed like it would be sweet. Very rich on the palate, yet the acidity was vibrant and the wine was dry. An over-the-top style, with lots of vanilla, spicy toasty oak, and a creamy, rich mouthfeel. It got better with time, too – the next day the acidity was more noticeable and the wine was more integrated. Not over the hill at all, just weird. People were divided on this – some absolutely loved it, while others thought it didn’t taste like Chardonnay at all.
Yalumba 2007 Viognier, Eden Valley ($18.50) & Darioush 2007 Viognier, Napa Valley ($40.95): Also a hard pair for people. Both wines had great peach and apricot fruit, good richness, and good acidity (important for Viognier; it’s naturally a low-acid grape and done poorly it can taste cloying and soft). We pour the Yalumba by the glass; it’s a great Viognier for under $20. The Darioush was a level up, though, with much more oakand the concentration to handle it. The barrel fermentation and aging gave a depth, layers of flavors, and structure that put it a good bit above the Yalumba, Again, twice as good? No, but unfortunately wine pricing doesn’t work that way – incremental levels in quality come at an exponential increase in price.
Like the red tasting a week later, this was enjoyed by all; we’ll definitely do it again.