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Marcus James Semillon-Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, 2001

May 01 '03 Write an essay on this topic.

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The Bottom Line I paid less than $4/bottle for this Semillon-Chardonnay blend from Australia. Thumbs up!

One of Canandaigua Wine Company's international wine labels is the "Marcus James" brand. Wines marketed under this brand include wines made in Argentina by Fecovita (Malbec), wines produced in South Eastern Australia (Shiraz and Semillon-Chardonnay), and wines produced in Italy (Pinot Grigio).

Although a "growth brand," Marcus James is not very well-known in the U.S.A. Over a million cases per year of its wines are being stocked on store shelves, but it is a wine that I do not often see in Southern California.

Marcus James Semillon-Chardonnay, 2001
South Eastern Australia
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Alcohol: 13.0% by volume.

Production: 52% Semillon, 48% Chardonnay sourced from vineyards in South Eastern Australia. Vinted and bottled by Armidale Estate Wines, Kingston-On-Murray, South Australia.

Appearance: Pale yet bright yellow with a faint greenish hue.

Aroma: Lemon, apple, light herb and oak.

Flavor: Bright citrus and green apple flavor; Fresh and zesty with some bracing acidity; finishes dry and crisp with a light oak tang. Drinks like a Sauvignon Blanc.

Price and Availability: I purchased this wine for $2.99 at a Big Lots! location in Whittier, California. That's one-half the normal retail price of $6 per 750 ml bottle. I consider it a good deal and a smart buy. Imported by Marcus James, Madera, California.

Recommendations: Great with seafood! Compare to Lindemans Wines 2001 Semillon-Chardonnay, Cawarra, South Australia (about $6/bottle), Penfolds Wines 2001 Semillon-Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia (about $9), or Rosemount Estate 2001 Chardonnay Semillon (about $9/bottle).

Verdict:
          Appearance: 4/5
          Aroma: 22/25
          Flavor: 33/40
          Body: 7/10
          Overall Quality: 16/20
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          My Score: 82 -- 3½ stars.

Bronze Medal winner at the 2001 and 2002 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
http://www.sfwinecomp.com/html/winners.html
http://www.sfwinecomp.com/html/bronze_2001.html

Another value-priced performer (under $5) that's a super-easy drinker:
Columbia Crest Semillon-Chardonnay, 2001 - 83 Pts. 3� stars. A value-priced performer that will appeal to most every casual wine drinker. Inexpensive and easy to find.

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