The crisp, citrusy twang of Sauvignon Blanc makes it an ideal summer sipper – refreshing, cooling, food-friendly with the season’s lighter fare. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed lately:

Matanzas Creek 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($24). I was supposed to save this bottle for a tasting with winemaker Francois Cordesse, but it accidentally got pulled into this Sauvignon Blanc tasting. And I’m kinda glad it did because it’s delicious! Intense, beautifully balanced — with concentrated melon supported by crisp citrus and accented with a savory note that’s slightly spicy, very slightly earthy. With a long, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Sbragia 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Home Ranch ($20). Ripe, boldly flavored, with tropical citrus, fleshy peach aromas and flavors that pick up touches of citrus zest and straw through the long, complex finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

St. Supery 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($20). I just loved this wine — for its fresh, pretty lime and grapefruit aromas and flavors, as well for the complex floral/mineral/grass character that slowly emerges on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Hanna 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Slusser Road Vineyard ($19). This is high-end wine, and at a not-bad price. Offering bright, pretty citrus (orange, lime, grapefruit) aromas and flavors, with a lightly creamy accent on the smooth, fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Wairau River 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($19). If you’ve never had one (hard to imagine at this point) and wonder how “typical” Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc smells and tastes — here’s a textbook example. The gooseberry and grapefruit aromas practically leap out of the glass and follow up on the palate, along with fresh grassy and mineral notes. Long finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Emiliana 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley Natura ($11). Fresh, juicy and refreshing, with bright, aromatic lime character supported with crisp white peach, finishing with a light lemongrass note. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.