On a recent excursion to Wal Mart, my curiosity was peaked when I saw several varietals under the Oak Leaf label. At home, I Googled several references and comments from others. Yesterday, I decided to make the plunge and part with $2.77 for scientific research. As fortune would have it, my expenditure came out to less for I scored a 25 cent piece in the parking lot on the way in. Over the years, I have found quite a bit of money by training my eyes downward as I walk, whereas I have never found anything of value in the sky.
It turned out to have a clean varietal nose, with a slight mineral overtone. The acidity was a bit much for the balance, but not overwhelming. Food friendly would be an appropriate description, and it went well with the Classic Risotto that I prepared for dinner. In recent years, I have been using Dry Vermouth in the preparation of my Rissotti, but this time I substituted some of the Pinot Grigio. In this application, the acidity did throw off the balance somewhat. In the future, I shall revert to using the Dry Vermouth.
One should approach a wine like this not expecting to discover an unheralded Chateau D'Yquem. Over the years, I have experienced many worse wines, some that I would call MUCH MUCH worse at MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE price tags. Would I purchase it again? With my present expenses and income plus the recent addition of a weekly babysitter for my Alzheimer spouse, the answer is an unqualified YES. I will even try some of the other Oak Leaf varietals in the future. Just set a different standard before one pours. My days of drinking Haut Brions and Lafites are now sadly past.
Godzilla