Summer is essentially here in San Diego which means the search is on to find a high quality white wine to drink on an almost daily basis. Preferably the wine should be widely available and priced under $10 (maybe $15 if it's real good).
For the first contestant I've chosen a 2007 Rhone style blend available at Trader Joes for about 6 bucks that goes by the name of La Ferme Julien Blanc. Composed of 30% Bourboulenc, 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Ugni Blanc and 10% Roussane, I served the wine chilled with a whole wheat penne smothered in a olive oil/sweet potato/leek/garlic/sage sauce.
The nose was very green, and by green I mean green fruits. Think granny smith apples and under ripe Bartlett pears squirted with lime juice. The light weight palate wasn't too much different, save for just a touch of effervescence and minerality. The finish was clean and dry. Some sips however were tainted by a touch of heat/bitterness that made the wine slightly less enjoyable.
Overall, this is a decent value and an ideal candidate for summer parties where most guests are more concerned with quantity rather than quality. I will buy it again for that express purpose or for those times when I really feel like being cheap. Other wise I think much more enjoyable wine is available for a few dollars more. 7/10
