There is no better way to start off a new year than with a couple of really fine white wines from Robert Mondavi.
Years ago, the only place that was producing any decent riesling wines was Germany. That was then, this is now and the latest riesling from the Robert Mondavi Winery is proof positive that the torch has been passed.
Robert Mondavi 2011 Private Edition Central Coast Riesling ($11)The riesling wines of Germany reigned supreme in the early 1970s, but quickly fell from favor when the American wine-drinking public discovered white zinfandel.
California vintners, however, never gave up on riesling and continued to allow it to naturally evolve. Riesling changed from a sweet, syrupy wine into a slightly less sweet, fruitier wine that can accompany almost anything.
The Robert Mondavi vintners expanded on the old theme by blending in a bit of gewurztraminer and malvasia blanca to create a truly interesting and enjoyable wine.
The aroma is heavy with the scents of summer flowers, honeysuckle, rose petals, citrus and exotic tropical fruits. The flavor reflects apricots, lychee and mango, with honey and spice in the background balanced by a mild acidity. The finish is a blend of citrus and lychee with a hint of honey.
This very excellent wine can accompany almost anything and breaks the century old rule of red wines with meat and white wines for seafood and shell fish.
Robert Mondavi 2011 Private Edition Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc ($11) This wine breaks another old rule that it's hard to get excited about a sauvignon blanc wine.
All too often this variety is relegated solely to accompany shellfish, which, by the way, it does very well. With a little creative blending with other grape varieties, like chardonnay and malvasia blanca, the Robert Mondavi vintners have expanded the horizons of this variety to include many foods not often associated with sauvignon blanc.
The Robert Mondavi 2011 Private Edition Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc lives in the best of two worlds. It can accompany shellfish, but it also fits well with any lighter meats such as pork, lamb and veal, as well as salads and poultry dishes.
If you have lost contact with this variety in the past, it is time to reacquaint yourself with it.
Mirassou 2011 Sunset Red ($12)Just down the road a bit from the Robert Mondavi Winery is the historic Mirassou Winery where vintners have been producing fine wines for more than 150 years.
The wines that they produce are the old standbys of California, but occasionally, the vintners create a new blend. The Mirassou 2011 Sunset Red is one of these sojourns off of the beaten path.
This selection blends three wines that are usually considered to be worlds apart: pinot noir, zinfandel and merlot. To be very honest, when we heard of this blend, our only comment was, "They have to be kidding." Now is our opportunity to eat those words.
The Mirassou 2011 Sunset Red is a modern world wonder. The vintners have assembled the constituents so that one does not overpower the other.
The presence of zinfandel is immediately noticed in the deep ruby color. The aroma plays down the strawberry of the zinfandel, which melds beautifully with the cherry of the pinot noir. On the palate, the pomegranate flavor of the pinot noir is enhanced by the spicy notes of the zinfandel. Backing them up is the merlot, which adds a cherry element and a very smooth mouth feel. The finish is a compendium of the constituents.
We hate to use this old cliche, but "take a walk on the wild side" and experience this very different wine.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.
