Wine writer Peg Melnik had a blind tasting this week of mixed whites with a range of varietals, from gew?rztraminer to chardonnay to sauvignon blanc. While the wines showed well across the board, our wine-of-the-week winner is the Thomas Fogarty, 2012 Monterey County Gewurztraminer at $19.
TOP PICK: Thomas Fogarty
Thomas Fogarty, 2012 Monterey County Gew?rztraminer, 13.3 percent alcohol, $19. 4 stars. An exotic gew?rztraminer with crisp acidity and complex flavors. Floral, with notes of bright fruit, ginger and mineral. Lovely spice notes. Striking.
Other impressive wines:
Merry Edwards, 2011 Olivet Lane, Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 14.1 percent, $60. 4 stars. An elegant chardonnay with good bones (structure) and complex flavors. Notes of apple, apricot, cr?e brulee and caramel. Lush texture. A standout.
La Crema, 2013 Monterey Chardonnay, 13.5 percent, $20. 4 stars. A tropical chardonnay that's a steal for the quality. Floral, with notes of pineapple, herbs and spice. Well-integrated. Nice length. Well done.
Open Range, 2012 California Sauvignon Blanc, 14.2 percent, $15. 4 stars. A zesty sauvignon blanc with bright acidity and herbal tones. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, melon, lemon and jasmine. Crisp finish.
Robert Mondavi Winery, 2011 Carneros, Napa Valley Reserve, 14.5 percent, $40. 4 stars. A lush chardonnay with complex aromas and flavors. Notes of pear, lemon curd and hazelnut. Creamy texture. Rich, yet has good acidity. Lingering finish.
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