On the nose I found citrus, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, and minerals. The nose was quite aromatic, you didn't have to get too close to your glass to smell this one (hence, I didn't end up with a nose full of wine this time!). In the mouth there were flavors of grapefruit, other citrus, peach, and tropical notes.

Overall the wine was tangy, very very crisp, acidic and a bit different than anything else I've had. I believe this is only my second Verdelho, so I'm still not sure quite what to expect from them, but I really like them. I think this would be a great choice for appetizers at all those upcoming holiday parties as the grapefruit flavors are quite strong and palate cleansing and would do well up against creamy dips and cheeses.

Read my full review in my blog post, Pretty Darn Tasty.

This is a great example of a crisp verdelho. With honeysuckle, peach, and apricot aromas, you might think you were in for a flabby flavor experience. Not so. This has lovely acidity, and abundant citrus flavors that combine with the orchard fruits and flowers to produce a really nice wine for fish tacos, or any type of seafood.

What I really liked about this light straw-colored wine were the aromas. It was a pleasure to keep swirling and inhaling generous scents of honeysuckle, citrus blossom and apricot, mixed with a lesser bit of peach and a subtle grassy component.

When it came time to taste, it was markedly different on the palate than the nose. An initial fruity sensation gave way pretty quickly (as in just 2 or 3 seconds) to a load of grapefruit. While crisp, it continued to become increasingly tart and led to a tart, sourish grapefruit finish mixed with grassiness.

That was the first night. On two subsequent evenings (preserved using Private Preserve), the aromas were consistent but the grapefruit quality on the palate smoothed out and some pear emerged.

Verdict: One thumb way up for the arresting, fresh and pure aromas. One thumb tending toward the other direction for the rather simplistic and overly-grapefruity taste, which I really didn't care for. On the other hand, I must add that it would make a good match for spicier foods. It's like two, two wines in one!

I guess I should add that the wine is well made but I am not a huge grapefruit fan (e.g., I much prefer smelling a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to drinking it). I really loved the aromas and I think some (maybe many) would like the grapefruit aspect.

Read my full review in my blog post, 2005 Barreto Cellars Verdelho.