Firmly tannic, crisply acidic and dry, this is easily Maddalena’s best Cabernet Sauvignon ever. It has classic flavors of blackberries and black currants, with a nice earthiness, and is notable for its elegant structure. A real achievement and a great value.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
A solid wine that will appeal to Chardonnay fans for its rich creaminess, zesty acidity and ripe tropical fruit, orange, lime, peach and honey flavors. Crisp Monterey acidity keeps the tastebuds whistling. This is Maddelena’s best Chardonnay yet.
— S.H.
(2/1/2013)
Stakes out the dry, acidic, minerally side of Pinot Grigio’s personality, with citrus fruit and spice flavors and a mouthwatering quality that’s exactly what you want in inexpensive bottlings of this variety. Lovely as a cocktail sipper, or with appetizers ranging from puff pastries to bruschetta.
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
Packaged in a fancy bottle, it stakes a claim to class. Does it succeed? Yes, with pretty apple and spice aromas and rich apple- citrus flavors. Tart acids make it bright, and there are some nice dusty tannins. Doesn’t quite achieve complexity, but it’s a great drink, and, at this price, one of the year’s best values in a white apéritif-style wine.
— S.H.
(12/15/2001)
Full bodied and viscous on the palate, the wine is balanced by bright acidity that gives it good focus. Peach, grapefruit, apple and spice notes are at the core here, followed by a lemony fresh finish. Quite fruity in style and fairly sweet. Try it as an aperitif or with duck and sweet sauces.
— J.M.
(8/1/2003)
Give credit to cool Monterey for yielding a wine that’s this dry, with acidic long hangtime fruit. It’s this type of PG that has made the variety an overnight success. The acids perk up the palate, making the pineapple, peach, fig and wildflower flavors bright and tangy.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
With 4.5% residual sugar, this Riesling falls into the shadowy realm between an off-dry table wine and a dessert wine. You could have it with trout almondine or with a fruit tart. Either way, it’s crisp in acidity, with complex flavors of Meyer lemons, limes, pineapples, peaches, pears, buttercup flowers, honey and cinnamon spice. It’s also a good buy.
— S.H.
(9/1/2008)
A little bitter on the finish, but other than that, this is a generous wine. With some oak influences, it’s fully dry, and the smooth tannins undergird flavors of currants and blackberries.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)