Among the subset of wines I recently tasted, a 2008 Pinot Blanc Reserve offered an attractive nose of apple and lemon tinged with herbs and orange zest; came to the palate slightly spritzy with CO2 ,a trait common to many of Sparr's less-expensive wines, juicy, delicate, yet subtly creamy; and finished with low intensity but plenty of refreshment. Enjoy it over the next 9-12 months. The characteristic wines from the enormous house of Sparr are soft and sometimes diffuse. They can exhibit delicacy, but that can easily cross a fine line into dilution.Importer: William Deutsch & Son Ltd., White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463

Rich, deep gold color. Slightly reductive on the nose muting aromas. Some fusel notes break through. Broad earthy palate with moderate intensity of ultra-ripe stone fruit flavors. Fairly open-knit and soft texture, with hints of minerality. Moderately long, warm finish. ——W.E.(12/22/2011)—— 88