Bonterra (California) white 2002
This aromatically gorgeous white is a highly unusual blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat from the organic Bonterra vineyards of Californian giant, Fetzer. Dry Muscat wines can have awonderfully alluring perfume of crunchy, fresh grapes and sweet floral tones, only to be rather neutral on the palate. Here, the Sauvignon and Chardonnay components ensure this wine delivers in both aspects. The nose has plenty of the Muscat character, along with a distinct impression of ripe ogen melon and a little nutty, peachy note. On the palate it is quite full-bodied, with a lovely zing of gooseberry and lime fruit, but all set against a fine, nutty apple background, with more of that ripe melon fruit and a well-balanced, quite generous acidity. A very distinctive and harmonious wine that is clean as a whistle. £6.99, Booths
