N/V LaCheteau Brut Sparkling Vouvray

This appears to be made by the same LaChateau which made perhaps my favorite Trader Joe's exclusive white, if not wine overall. Ten bucks is the retail.

A bit toasty and a bit of green apple on the nose.

Crisp and light with an Asian pear quality on the palate. Fairly simple - there's not a lot going on, definitely a very light bodied sparkler that's a good quaff.

Some yeasty qualities appear on the finish - this is probably more interesting on the finish than palate, pear comes out, as well as some nice acid that lingers nicely.

This is a dangerous sort of wine. It's so light and so easy drinking that before you know it you'll probably drink the entire bottle alone.

Wine: 6.5
Value: Sure

2008 Lacheteau Loire Valley Vouvray

This was seven bucks at Trader Joe's. We grabbed this and the Josefina rose reviewed below - this was the second wine opened after tossing half that bottle - part of me feels this review is somewhat biased because it was consumed right after an atrocious offering. I dug this enough that it does warrant a revisit - we'll see what happens then.

The nose brings crisp pineapple notes.

Very nice - light spice, somewhat sweet, light in body, plenty of crisp acid. Green apple, tropical fruit, and pineapple in a crisp sorta way.

Tart apple and some tropical notes linger.

A phenomenal summer wine and one of the better bargains I've found in some time - highly recommended.

Wine: 7
Value: Yes

2002 Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette

For our 100th post, I bring you a wine from a region we enjoy but haven’t reviewed yet–Vouvray.

To me, Vouvray tastes like what a Sauternes would taste like if the grapes didn’t quite reach the noble rot....not quite German Riesling, not quite Gewurz, not quite Pinot Grigio...distinct from those, but similar enough that if you like any of them, you should give one a shot.

Vouvray is made with Chenin Blanc, but the only CB I've had from the New World has been bone dry, so they don't really compare. A bit on the sweeter side and they tend to have some nice acidity to balance it out. We pair them with Asian and spicier faire–and we’re enjoying this one with some Moo Shoo Vegetable.

The nose has honey, peaches, and some floral notes.

The palate is light, fruity and a bit floral—peaches, a touch of spice–think peach pie. I get just a touch of vanilla and perhaps butter as well...not something I’d expect in Chenin Blanc.
The finish has some citrus–-orange zest and lemons.

I think there’s just a bit too much sugar (or perhaps a touch short of enough acid) for it to be well balanced, but at $9 I'd buy it again and say you should give it a shot.