Dazzling Whites for Summer Sipping

Fans of Mersault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet listen up!

The prestigious and elusive wine buyer for a top wine wholesaler privately calls this white wine the "finest white Burgundy in our book." Only it's not from France. It's from South Africa! How fascinating is that? This powerhouse fine wine buyer isn't the only one who's impressed with this wine. Check this out.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011

"The 2011 Chardonnay sees 8 months in oak, roughly an equal combination of new, second and third fill. It is well defined and understated on the nose, unfurling to reveal fresh lime, red apple and a touch of crisp pear that is very well defined. The palate is effervescent on the entry with a fine thread of acidity that counterbalanced the ripe mango, Clementine and apricot notes that decorate the finish. It has such brightness and clarity on the finish that makes this irresistible. Drink now-2020." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 92 points

"This white cuts a bold swath, delivering flavors of dried Jonagold apple, fig, creamed pear, hazelnut and persimmon. Creamy and lush, held together by a finely beaded spine of acidity, with strong minerality kicking in on the lengthy finish. Showy and suave, yet balanced. Drink now through 2018. 6,208 cases made." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 93 points

$27.99/bottle or $268.70/12 pack case ($22.39/bottle) or just $22.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

This next white is one of our favorites. Godello. With just several hundred vines remaining in the 1970s, Godello was nearly wiped off the face of the planet. Thankfully it was saved by some crafty Galicians in NorthWest Spain. This Spanish beauty is anything but shy and it's bursting with gorgeous minerality.

"A top bargain in complex, dry white wine."

Rafael Palacio Sabrego Godello 2011

"Made from 80-year-old Godello (an indigenous Spanish white wine grape) and aged on its lees in tank for 4-5 months, the 2011 Sabrego is a joint venture between Rafael Palacios and Eric Solomon. It exhibits copious aromas of poached pears, spring flowers, white corn along with crisp, elegant flavors. Purity, balance and a stony intensity bring to mind a French Chablis as well as a dry Alsace Pinot Blanc. It is a top bargain in complex, dry white wine. Drink it over the next 1-2 years." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 88 points

"Intensely perfumed scents of lemon and blood pith, dried pear and anise, complicated by a subtle almond quality. Deep, pliant orchard and pit fruits on the palate, with refreshingly bitter quinine and tarragon notes on the back end. Dusty minerality adds bite and grip to the long, tangy finish, which leaves a note of tarragon behind." (Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar)

International Wine Cellar: 90 points

$14.99/bottle or $143.90/12 pack case ($11.99/bottle) or just $11.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

The next wine is a zippy little treat made with an off-the-radar grape variety. Perfect for the Cape's seafood and shellfish. A real wine geek's delight, to be sure.

Gagliardo Fallegro Favorita 2011

The Favorita grape has conquered the hearts of Roero farmers for centuries, becoming the "Favorite Grape" in Piedmont, hence the name Favorita. Now with DNA testing, the grape is matched to Vermentino which is popular in Liguria and Sardinia. Bursting with fresh aromas and lively flavors of pear and yellow apples, this has a delightful citrus-floral finish. Halfway between still and sparkling, this lovely, crisp wine has just a bit of "frizzante" adds just a tingle of effervescence that dances on the tongue. Needless to say, oysters or shellfish will love this pairing.

$16.99/bottle or $163.10/12 pack case ($13.59/bottle) or just $13.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

That's about it for today.

Please join us for a fantastic wine tasting this afternoon with M.S. Walker. They are the brilliant wholesaler representing some of our favorite importers such as Eric Solomon's European Cellars, Vias Imports, Frederick Wildman & Sons and Valkryrie.

We'll be tasting Indaba Chenin Blanc, Herencia Altes Blanco, Lafage Miraflors Rose, Castano Molino Loco, Lafage Tessellae, and St. Roch Kerbuccio from 4-7 pm today. Sweet!

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Summer Hours Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m Fri-Sat: 9 am to 11 pm Sunday: 12 to 8 p.m.   We're open year round. Closed only on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.