The Wine Idiot Reviews: Les Portes de Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 ($5.99)
This wine review has been brought to you by my epically failed Girl Scout cookie/wine pairing project. The only wine we tasted that night I really loved was this one, but I made NO notes (because there was a lot of wine and cookies served that night). I wanted to do it right, so I bought another bottle to enjoy while my mom and I watched the Super Tuesday voting results come in. If ever wine was necessary, amirite??
Full disclosure--I usually hate sauvignon blanc. Until this bottle, I have not been able to find ONE I like! And not for lack of trying. I've even purchased expensive glasses while in wine country, thinking that the problem has been exposure to sub-par versions. Nope. While it IS crisp (which is how I like my whites), it generally disappoints me with those stubborn sauvignon-blanc-y flavors. I've been told that it's the "grassy" and "herbaceous" notes I don't like. Whatever it is, I just always prefer something like a grüner veltliner or even an Albariño instead.
THIS sauvignon blanc, though...I love this one! It's something different than my normal go-to's, and I appreciate that. It's got a distinctive lemon hint to it, which did in fact make a perfect wine to pair with Savannah Smiles, those little crescent-shaped lemon cookies coated in powdered sugar. It's crisp for sure, and slightly grassy--but somehow in a way I enjoy. It's got a tart finish, not quite sour but just enough to give it a kick.
And let me tell you--it pairs QUITE well with watching your candidate do really well while you argue politics with your friends on Facebook.
What the bottle says: Not much. No description of the wine. Just this: "Les Portes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Appellation Bordeaux Contrôlée Sauvignon Blanc 2014, White Bordeaux Wine."
What the Wine Idiot says: As I've said before, I kinda love when the people responsible for label-copy go overboard, and I'm always a little disappointed when there's no description. What are ya gonna do.
ABV: 12%, so on the less-alcoholic side, but let me tell you...I drank the entire bottle (minus the glass my mom had) and I got decently drunk.
Who's responsible for this? Imported by Latitude Wines, Inc., Danville CA. Interestingly, this company imported two other TJ's wines that I rather enjoyed: the Grifone Primitivo and the Louise d'Estrée Brut.
Do I need a corkscrew? Yup.
What do smarter people say about it? There aren't a lot of reviews out there. User 5739MCBRYDE on CellarTracker says: "Used as an ingredient in risotto and then refrigerated and drank by the glass with spanakopita and avgolemno soup two nights later. Entirely serviceable all 'round. Knows it is a Savignon Blanc (doesn't pretend to Chardonnay) and is light and a bit tray without any unpleasant surprises." The Fearless Flyer has the best description: "Les Portes de Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc, comes from one of the largest Chateaux in the Bordeaux appellation. Our winemaker set out to make a crisp, citrusy white wine that's simultaneously typical of the region and an exceptional example of the varietal. Success in this endeavor is evident on the nose, in the mouth, and in the finish. Tangy and fresh, with lemon and grapefruit notes, the wine is lively, aromatic and characteristically balanced acidity. Enjoy this wine with fish, shellfish, or light pasta dishes."
Should I bring it to a friend's house? I did, and it was well-received! I'd do it again. But that's because I LIVE WITH NO REGRETS.
