Apple Wine Reviews

2021 Rustenberg Wines Rustenberg Chenin Blanc

A food-friendly white wine featuring typical Chenin Blanc floral and stone fruit flavors, but in a more subdued presentation (as compared with California).

Tasting notes: bright, apple, peach, floral, slightly sweet

2018 Francine et Olivier Savary Savary Chablis

This Chablis was on point with scents of apple, chalk, and a fresh energy that delivered subtle pear notes.

Tasting notes: apple, chalk, pear, bright

NV Champagne Juillet-Lallement Brut Sélection

The nose was subtle ginger cookies and cinnamon. It was mild and balanced, creamy in the mid-palate with notes of apple and pear as it reached the back of my mouth. I enjoyed the mysteriously long finish, of depth and complexity.

Tasting notes: ginger cookies, cinnamon, creamy, apple, pear

2021 Tablas Creek Vineyards Patelin de Tablas Blanc

I smelled white fruit and enjoyed an appley mid-palate (the Grenache Blanc), a hint of Meyer lemon, and a nice minerality supported by mild acidity.

Tasting notes: apple, low acid, mineral

2018 Lone Madrone Chenin Blanc

With 4+ years of age on it, this Chenin was not especially fruity, but still aromatic and honeyed. The acidity and body were beautiful, offering interesting textures as the wine moved across my palate.

Tasting notes: bright, honey, apple

2021 Naked Wines Derek Rohlffs Pinot Gris

Fruity and bright, light white wine that tasted a little bit hot to me (the taste of alcohol). As with most Naked Wines whites, a great price for an easy drinking wine.

Tasting notes: apple, baked pear, bright, lemon

2021 Naked Wines Franc Dušak Viognier

A very subtle viognier offering typical varietal flavors like jasmine and honey, but the fruit profile was apple, not the usual stone fruits like apricot.

Tasting notes: floral, honey, apple

2021 Martelloto Wines “M” Chardonnay

Barrel fermented for eight months, this Chardonnay was not super oaky. Signature apple and pear flavors harmonized with a touch of creaminess.

Tasting notes: apple, pear, creamy, light oak

NV Champagne Alfred Tritant Mes Racines Brut

I found the nose was predominantly apple and pear, with something I identified as baked brie in the mix. It was a bit tart and it had “edges.” There was a sharpness to the way it moved through my mouth that wasn’t just about the bubbles.

Tasting notes: apple, pear, creamy, tart

2021 Camaraderie Cellars Pinot Gris Yakima Valley

This is an example of a wine that wasn’t especially distinctive, but was exactly as advertised, “Fresh, bright acidity matches aromatics of apple and pear.” Food-friendly, indeed.

Tasting notes: apple, pear, bright