Wine-o: 2010 Irony Chardonnay

Irony 2010 Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA

Alcohol:  14.5%

Price: ~$11-

A great Chardonnay!  I enjoyed this wine served at room temperature instead of chilled.  It was full of butter and apple flavors, while not overpowering or spicy.  Straw yellow in color and clear; it paired amazingly with Perch Po' Boy sandwiches and a damp fall evening.  This Chardonnay currently rivals the Lucky Star and Clos du Bois that I love!

Freya's Score 83

Mona's Value 7.6

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price; this produces a better analytic which takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Cupcake Pinot Grigio

Cupcake 2011 Pinot Grigio

Central Coast California (grapes imported from Italy)

Alcohol 12.5%

Price $9

I just realized this is my first Pinot Grigio review!  So please note that I do not have a lot of knowledge about this type of wine.  These are the general facts I have learned:

• not sweet
• pairs well with fish
• serve chilled
• not a lot of people are wild about this and it's not as widespread as Chardonnays or Rieslings

I decided to go all out with the Cupcake whites.  The price is right, I cannot get over their gorgeous logo, and a friend featured the wine at her wedding.  This is an off dry wine, pear in color and very clear.  It is very crisp.  Not extremely floral or herbal like some Sauvignon Blancs, and not buttery like my favorite Chardonnays.  I found the back label very informative and helpful:

We traveled to Trentino, Italy in the foothills of the Italian Alps because of its unique quality to produce lush, flavorful Pinot Grigio.  Our Pinot Grigio is full, with the flavors of ripe pears, a creamy mid-palate and a long lingering finish.  It's reminiscent of a pear cupcake with white chocolate.  Enjoy with bay scallops in a cream sauce, linguine alfredo, or simply as an aperitif

Freya's Score 71

Mona's Value 7.9

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Robert Mondavi Chardonnay

Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2010 St. Helena, California

Alcohol:  13.5%

Price: ~$8.50

This Chardonnay is light and crisp.  It's a nice medium between sweet and dry.  Very affordable and with a slight buttery taste.  Overall I find it a bit too light for my taste.  It seems I prefer a more heady, or bold Chardonnay.  However I find the taste quite pleasant and would purchase again or give as a hostess gift.  

After reading the vineyard's description... I do like it more since reading the tasting notes.  Perhaps thats because they said the 2010 season was a strong one, perhaps my wine has aired more and is in fact better.  It does have a bit of a tang to it, probably denoting the peach and brown sugar flavors they refer to.  It's a fine wine and an excellent price for it.

In 2010, our Central Coast Chardonnay grapes enjoyed an extended period maturing on the vine, which produced fruit with impressively concentrated flavors. The natural roundness of our Chardonnay was enhanced by partial barrel and malolactic fermentation coupled with extended aging on the yeast lees, resulting in a luscious, complex wine. The nose reveals lemon blossom, pineapple, and peach aromas with smoky oak nuances along with enticing vanilla spice and toasty brown sugar flavors. The creamy, mouthfilling palate creates a lush impression and is balanced by a rich, lingering finish.

Freya's Score 74

Mona's Value 8.7

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price; this produces a better analytic which takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Smoking Loon Chardonnay

Smoking Loon 2009 Chardonnay, California
Alcohol:  13.5%
Price: ~$10.50

I confess, I bought this wine because of the amazing store display.  There is a sweepstake for this bike, and of course I entered myself, and The BF into it.  How cool would it be to have a wine cruiser bike?! (The only downside is that this is not a step through "ladies" cruiser which is my favorite...)

I selected a Chardonnay from their wide variety which included Old Vine Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and more.  The wine had a pleasant, subtle taste of fruits.  It wasn't as dry as I prefer, but a bit more floral in taste.

Freya's Score 70
Mona's Value 6.7
The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price; this produces a better analytic which takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc

Cupcake 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Central Coast California

Alcohol 13%

Price $12

My mother is quite the fan of Sauvignon Blanc.  Usually they aren't as dry as a Chardonnay, and they often have a trace of citrus or herbal zest to them.  She particularly likes those of the herb resonance, such as Nobilo and Kono.  

However, the Cupcake is a little more affordable, and very available at almost any wine shop.  This wine has a nice zing to it and is more on the herbal side than citrus.  Definitely serve this chilled.  It paired well with cheese hors d'oeuvres and a humid evening.  Not overly sweet and a bit on the drier side; the whole family enjoyed this!  (Although I would still buy the Cupcake 2010 Angel Food over this vintage...)

Freya's Score 79

Mona's Value 6.6

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Sawtooth Chardonnay

Sawtooth Winery 2009 Chardonnay 
Snake River Valley, Idaho

Alcohol 14.3%

Price $13

This past summer during our road trip out west, we picked up some beer and wine to try.  I was pleasantly surprised by the Snake River area in Idaho (just outside Boise).  It was wonderful to be 30 minutes from a large city and surrounded by farms and mountains.

Sawtooth Winery was a stop The BF requested because of their striking wine labels.  We bought a couple bottles, one being the 2009 Chardonnay.  It packs a bit of a punch at 14%+ alcohol and is a very dry Chardonnay (and yes it has a buttery flavor to it!).  While a bit too dry for my taste, the flavor was lovely.

It should be noted that Sawtooth Winery has received awards and is a noted Idaho wedding venue.  Bookings can be made by emailing: kellig@sawtoothwinery.com 

Freya's Score: 82

Mona Value: 6.3

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Big Claw White

Big Claw 2009 White Wine, CA
Alcohol 13.7%
Price $16-

This wine was a huge disappointment.  During a fun vacation on the Maine Coast, it was assumed that this wine would be fantastic with seafood.  While it did pair adequately, it was very weak in flavor.  The wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewurtztraminer.  The bottle noted it as "the perfect lobster pairing."  I would recommend a large Yellow Tail Chardonnay instead.


"Dry, bland, disappointing"

"Flavorless, indistinct, expensive"

"Bizarre, watery"

Freya's Score: 40
Mona's Value: 2.5

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

Get your post updates via Facebook and the new Freya's Keeper Page!

Wine-o: Marcus James Chardonnay

Marcus James Chardonnay, Eastern ARGENTINA
Alcohol 13.5%
Price: ~$11

Our move has been successful!  The art is up, and I am cleaning now because the dogs continue to shed, not for sanitization or moving reasons!  As the job search rages, I've converted momentarily to mondo sized wines, you know, the 1.5L steals that you can find for parties and whatnot.

If you know my current taste in white wine, you will know that I like buttery, full, Chardonnays, like Lucky Star's Chardonnay.  This is not buttery.  It is full, and the label says it all: "crisp fruity style with hints of apples and other orchard fruits..."  I really enjoy it.  It seems almost like a Sauvignon Blanc, but is drier as one would expect of a Chardonnay.  

All in all, it's great, it's large, and it's original looking. It goes well with appetizers such as tortilla chips with salsa or hummus, as well as roasted chicken.

Freya's Score: 70

Mona's Value: 6.4

Wine-o: Ponga Sauvignon Blanc

Ponga Sauvignon Blanc 2010, NEW ZEALAND
Alcohol: 12.5%

This was a lovely light Sauvignon Blanc.  It was purchased mainly because of the price and the fact that it is from New Zealand (New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blanc wines).

The flavors were very citrusy, with a hint of spice, as well as on the sweeter side, but not overbearing.  It paired very well with steamed clams.  I am sure it would also pair well with grilled salmon or other seafood meals.  I took it out of the refrigerator to let it warm up a bit before drinking and the flavor was wonderful.

Vintage Notes

Price: ~$11
Freya Score: 70
Mona Value: 6.4

Wine-o: Ferrari Carano 2008 Chardonnay

Ferrari Carano 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA
Alcohol: 13.9%


If the last Chardonnay I reviewed wasn't very buttery, this one definitely is!  It had a strong flavor I have found in several white wines that I've enjoyed and I think this can be attributed to the "soft toasty oak".  It is a very full and strong flavor, I did not find it subtle.  In a moment of laziness, I was also very happy to discover that the top is a screw cap top, an excellent choice for a party gift or camping.


This summer we are enjoying a 6 week vacation across the country before we relocate.  We enjoyed this wine in Aspen, CO.  It paired wonderfully with grilled salmon and zuchinni.

Vintage Notes from the Vineyard:

Grapes come from our vineyards in three growing regions in Sonoma County: Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Carneros. A year of fire and ice, we began 2008 battling heavy frost in April, fires in the summer, and heat in the early fall. Reduced yields but intensely flavored, well-balanced, ripe fruit was the happy result of a very challenging growing season. Harvest began mid-August and was completed the beginning of October — 2008 being one of the fastest harvests we can remember.

Price: ~$23
Freya Score: 78
Mona Value: 3.4

Wine-o: Edna Valley Chardonnay

Edna Valley Vineyard 2008 Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo, CA
Alcohol: 13.9%

This was a fantastic white wine.  It was a tad more fruity, and not as buttery as other California Chardonnays.  I was excited to try this wine as it is from Central California.  I have heard that the San Luis Obispo area is wonderful to visit for wine tastings.  We enjoyed this wine with delicious stuffed shells and meatballs made by Granma.  It paired very well with a light summer salad and grilled squash and zucchini.  This wine also has a higher alcohol content, so pace yourself if you are the designated driver!

From the vineyard:

Our vineyards enjoy one of California's longest and coolest growing seasons, thanks to sea breezes funneled inland through Edna Valley.  Our Chardonnay has amazing flavors of lush white peach and sweet spice with a crisp, clean finish.  You will love our Chardonnay with fresh seafood, grilled chicken or roasted pork.

Price: $12-$20
Freya Score: 85
Mona Value: 5.3

Wine-o: Barefoot 2010 Moscato

Barefoot 2010 Moscato, California

9% Alcohol

This wine is large. It was given to me at a party, but for whatever reason it was never opened.  Now that we are moving, I am working through my pantry and uncovered this gift.  

When I first started drinking wine, I had just graduated from college and was also graduating from Cosmopolitans and Malibu Coconut Rum and Kool-Aid.  I loved drinking Riesling wine, especially the late harvest, and I think I would have loved this Moscato as it is very sweet and smooth; all in all a simple wine.  (Now I wish it was a large buttery California Chardonnay, or a sparkling wine, oh how times change.)

Pairings:  Would pair well with cupcakes and taquitos.  That or a keg I suppose, it's just so sweet!  For the more sophisticated drinker, I would like to try it with key lime.  In any respect as the bottle I was given is the large/grande size, I will be tasting it with a variety of options.  

Freya's Score: 40 If you like sweet drinks, this is your girl.  

Mona's Value: 5 The price is right for any party.

Cost:  ~$8- from the Pineville, MO Macadoodle's Liquor Store.  Buy a case of mixed wines and enjoy a 10% discount!  Or, check out their new e-commerce store for more great deals.

*Note: My Father recommended that I change the metrics by which the wines are ranked.  A Freya Score of 80 means that I think this wine is better than 79% of the other wines I've tasted.  A Mona Value of 70 is calculated as: VALUE = FREYA.SCORE/ PRICE.PER.BOTTLE

Wine-o: Amiral Bourdeaux White

Amiral Dubroca 2010 Bourdeaux White, FRANCE

12-14% Alcohol

When I walked into the Liquor store and told my friend Dan I was looking for some spring weather whites, he took me straight to this wine, telling me it was a great buy at $15.  You can taste it!  The wine is smooth with fruity flavors of pear and lemon.  It has a crisp finish and strong nose, a great summer wine!

From the vineyard:

Amiral Dubroca Bordeaux white is a lovely, brilliant pale yellow colour. The wine has a complex nose of grapefruit, lemon, roasted nuts and candied fruit. An ideal accompaniment for fish – grilled or cooked in sauce - , white meat and poultry.

Pairings:  I think this would taste delicious with a salmon or other baked white fish.  It also would go well with sauteed spinach.  I served it with roasted chicken and sweet potatoes.  

Freya's Score: 80 a wonderful fruity taste!  I've never had a white Bourdeaux before, so this was a fun experiment!

Mona's Value: 5.33 a great wine, but on the more expensive side of what I am used to, especially considering that I got this bottle at a really great price.

Cost:  ~$15.00 from the Pineville, MO Macadoodle's Liquor Store.  Buy a case of mixed wines and enjoy a 10% discount!  Or, check out their new e-commerce store for more great deals.

*Note: My Father recommended that I change the metrics by which the wines are ranked.  A Freya Score of 80 means that I think this wine is better than 79% of the other wines I've tasted.  A Mona Value of 70 is calculated as: 

VALUE = FREYA.SCORE/ PRICE.PER.BOTTLE

My Father is a genius, so I think this will work out well.  Thank you for all the support readers!  Your comments both public and private are encouraged and appreciated!

Wine-o: Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Pinot Gris

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Pinot Gris Columbia Valley

13.5% Alcohol

While the Cupcake Angel Food was fruity and buttery, this has a crisp flavor to it that is completely different!  When I told my friend Dan at Macadoodle's that I wanted to try a NorthWest wine he directed me to this.  Apparently the Columbia river valley is known for Pinot Gris wines.

From the vineyard:

Our Pinot Gris style falls between the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio and the richer, rounder Pinot Gris from Alsace. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris offers fresh aromas and flavors of pear, fig and a hint of spice. A touch of Viognier contributes texture and an attractive floral character. This wine is a perfect match with scallops or halibut.

Freya's Score: 8 a great crisp taste that isn't overpowering

Cost:  ~$11.00 from the Pineville, MO Macadoodle's Liquor Store.  Buy a case of mixed wines and enjoy a 10% discount!  Or, check out their new e-commerce store for more great deals.