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Banfi Le Rime
White Wines-
The Buy List for September 2001
by AlcoholReviews.com Staff

Each month AlcoholReviews.com tastes a slew of wines.  Below you will find those white wines that we think are worth purchasing.  Wines are listed in order of price, from lowest to highest.  Wines of the same price are listed alphabetically.  Our rating scale is:

*Horrid- Won't drink unless threatened with violence.
**Tolerable- Will drink if it is free.
***Good- Will drink and even pay for.
****Very Good- Will seek out for purchase.
*****Superb- Will walk miles to acquire.

If you'd like to shop for this wine or any other wines or spirits, click HERE

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Bruno Hunold Pinot Blanc 1997 ($7)
This white wine from Alsace is imported by Hand Picked Selections of Warrenton, Virginia. Hunold is one of those wines one often hears mentioned by wine geeks on a tight budget. One wine shop worker described it to us as his "at home, current house white wine." No wonder, the price is right-- just seven dollars-- and it's quite lovely, tasting of lemon, honey, pear and closing with soft earth.  BEST BUY. (Rating ***3/4)

For more info on this wine surf to http://www.winemerchant.net/

Santa Julia Torrontes ($7)
Another beauty from Santa Julia of Argentina via Wine Sellers Ltd. of Illinois. Noses like a Gewurztraminer, begins a little sweet then turns sour with a late-harvest melon and green apple notes. Anyone who loves cider will love this one. Pair this tart treat with spicy cuisine or enjoy it straight. (Rating ***1/2)

For more info on this wine surf to http://www.winesellersltd.com

Banfi Le Rime 2000 ($9)
A perennial favorite of ours. Seventy percent chardonnay, thirty percent pinot grigio, but boy does the pinot shine through this Italian wine. Grapefruit, mineral- generally crisp, swell for quaffing in hot weather.    (Rating ***1/2)

For more info on this wine surf to: http://www.banfivintners.com

Bethel Heights Pinot Gris 2000 ($12)
Let this one breathe for at least a half an hour before quaffing. How, you ask, lest it grow warm? Simple- pop the cork, place your thumb over the bottle's mouth, shake twice, replace cork, and return to fridge for 20 minutes. Remove from fridge, pour a glass or three and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then drink it up- this viscous wine slimes the glass and dishes out grapefruit and toast. Another wine that should be paired with spicy foods. (Rating ***1/2)

For more info on this wine surf to http://www.bethelheights.com

Galluccio Estates/Gristina Rose 2000 ($12)
Alright- so this Long Island, New York Rose isn't white per se, but where else were we to slip in mention of this impressive Rose? Most Americans likely associate Rose with cheap, sugary jug wines. Buy this and they'll be in for a surprise- nothing sweet here, firm blackberries, fruit and a stiff spine. It's the best Rose we've come across in ages. (Rating ***3/4)

For more info on this wine surf to http://www.gristinawines.com

Pierre Spaar Pinot Gris Reserve 1999 ($14) & Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 1999 ($14)
Like Bruno Hunold, Pierre Sparr is another one of those value priced wines that wine geeks get excited about. Their 1999 Pinot Gris was unusual- it was a touch effervescent, it just seemed to snap and pop in your mouth before slipping down your throat. Super soft, with a touch of grapefruit. (Rating ***1/4) The 1999 Gewurztraminer, meanwhile, is a smorgasboard for the senses. It noses floral, sweet, and with a touch of anise. in the mouth it is intense, almost herbal. Not for the balmy season but delicious in spring or autumn. (Rating ***3/4)

For more info on these wines surf to http://www.alsace-wines.com

Reviewed 09/01 FOOTER
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