Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Valdivieso Valley Selection Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserve ($17)

Chile is turning out some highly-acclaimed wines that are also great values. This Sauvignon Blanc, from the Valle de Leyda in Chile's San Antonio Region, is a fine example.

Founded in 1879 by Alberto Valdivieso and owned since the mid 1900’s by the Mitjans family, Valdivieso is one of the most prestigious and recognized wineries in Chile.

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks, sees no malolactic conversion and is left on lees for 3 months. At 12% ABV, it is a dry wine.

With distinct grapefruit, passion fruit and lime flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc is light and refreshing, with distinct stony minerality. Its acidity is not overpowering and the body actually leans a bit toward unoaked Chardonnay. A nice wine to enjoy on a warm day or paired with goat cheese, white fish or shellfish.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork ™ - Wine of the Week

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2014 Oak Ridge Lodi Ancient Vine Zinfandel ($12)

This Zinfandel has great dark fruit flavors, a bit of black pepper and nice chocolate, vanilla and caramel from its oak aging. While this Zinfandel varietal is made from at least 75% of the Zinfandel variety of grape, it is also blended with some Petite Sirah to create this full-bodied wine with low tannin for a nice smooth texture.

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Blackstone Winemaker's Select California Merlot ($5)

The theme of Behind the Cork ™ - Wine of the Week is to feature affordable and attainable wines that are enjoyable to drink.  This Merlot fits that description. This Merlot is blended with 14% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec. But it's the 79% Merlot that shines through. Nice black cherry, plum fruit flavors along with chocolate and vanilla from its oak aging.

Behind the Cork ™ - Wine of the Week

2013 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles Rhône Style Blend ($6)

This Rhône style blend is a perfect fit for Behind the Cork ™ - Wine of the Week. It's affordable, it's attainable and it's a nice wine to enjoy any day of the week.  Being a Rhône blend, it is made from Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre (GSM). It's medium-bodied with flavors of blackberries, black currants and just a hint of pepper. Being aged in a bit of oak also add to the character of this easy drinking wine.