Archive: USA: California: Sauvignon/Fume Blanc
Adler Fels 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($15). Juicy melon and nectarine flavors are accented with touches of pineapple, Meyer lemon and mineral. Stays bright through the clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 12/07)
Artesa 1998 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Napa Valley ($22). This oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc shows a rich array of fruit, including apple, honeydew, and mango with a refreshing lime acidity and a touch of spicy vanilla oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/01)
Beaulieu Vineyard 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($13). All soft and melon driven, with pretty pear and delicate white pepper flavors that linger nicely. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
Beckmen 1999 Sauvignon Blanc Santa Barbara County ($12). Rather sweet for a Sauvignon Blanc, but with good lemon, and grapefruit flavors. It finished well and matched nicely with our smoked salmon. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)
Benziger 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma-Lake Counties ($15). Fresh and racy, with juicy grapefruit, lemon and lime citrus character accented with smooth peach and aromatic grassy notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-16)
Beringer
2003 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Appellation Collection ($12). Full-bodied, with ripe fig and citrus flavors that combine for a delicious, appealing quaff – and a bargain, at that. Picks up a touch of spicy vanilla on the focused finish. Ready to drink now. Very good with a wide range of foods – or all on its own. (Bargain Wine 06/05)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc California Founders’ Estate ($11). Smoke and glycerin aromas mingle with medium- to full-bodied green apple and quince fruit. Stays focused on the finish, picking up a fresh, citrusy character. Not your everyday Sauvignon Blanc, but tasty. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/04)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($12). Racy citrus and apple fruit stay focused from start to lingering finish, picking up a dash of honeyed vanilla along the way. Easy to enjoy — at this price, it would be a fantastic choice for a house white! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/04)
Bernardus
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County ($15). Every bit as tasty as the 1997 vintage (above), but with the tang of youth! And an excellent value at this price — Bernardus should definitely be in the plans of any Sauvignon Blanc drinker! This vintage shows concentrated citrus and tropical fruit with mineral and grassy notes. Seems very well structured, drinking well now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)
1997 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County ($14) This weekend, I came across a bottle of this wine that I had stashed away a couple of years ago, and then completely forgotten about. To my pleasant surprise, the wine was still in great shape — focused and refreshing, showing racy citrus and juicy melon fruit, with plenty of fresh herbal and grassy notes. I was so pleased with the staying power of this wine, that I went right out and picked up a few other Bernardus wines. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)
Bogle 1997 Sauvignon Blanc California ($8). Very nice, straightforward wine with bright, refreshing pear and apple notes. This strikes me as a perfect picnic wine – it would be great on a hot summer day with just about any kind of summer food. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/99)
Buena Vista 2000 Sauvignon Blanc California ($8). Honeyed pear is nicely balanced with herbal notes and racy citrus fruit, and the results are delicious. Tasty finish, too! Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW 10/01)
Cakebread 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($18). Full of fresh, zippy aromas and flavors that include ripe fig, crisp apple and citrus, warm spices and toasty vanilla oak. Focused, rich finish. A substantial wine — this is not for gulping! Ready to drink now and over the next year or so. (Weekend Wine, 02/04)
Callaway 1997 Sauvignon Blanc Temecula ($8). I’m just getting into Sauvignon Blancs (my little summer project, I think), and this may be one of my favorites so far. It packs quite a bit more punch than your average Sauvignon Blanc. Rich and even a bit creamy, it has a great blend of floral, orchard fruit and citrus that made me very happy! (Robyn’s Picks, 06/99)
Canyon Road
2004 Sauvignon Blanc California ($8). Nothing overly complex here, but still appealing for its juicy apple, peach and citrus flavors that linger on the easy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
2001 Sauvignon Blanc California ($9). Pure, focused fruit character includes juicy citrus and passion fruit, with subtle mineral and fresh clover. Stays clean throughout. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW, 08/02)
Carmenet
2002 Sauvignon Blanc California Cellar Selection ($8). Melon and lime take center stage, with additional lush tropical fruit undertones. Clean, good acidity, tasty finish. Great value! Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County Hanson Vineyard ($16). Fresh, perfumed bouquet introduces refreshing peach and pineapple fruit, with light mineral, spice and grapefruit notes emerging on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight, 12/03)
1998 Sauvignon Blanc Edna Valley Reserve ($11). This blend of 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Semillon is quite enjoyable. Balanced citrus and honeyed pear flavors, along with a touch of earthy fig, make this a very good wine. And you simply cannot beat the pricetag! Buy a case. Drink it all summer. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)
Charles Krug 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($18). A pretty array of ripe, aromatic nectarine, grapefruit, lime, passionfruit and melon mingle through a long, clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
Chateau Souverain
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($14). Steely and pure, offering crisp citrus, melon, grass, mineral and light spicy notes. Juicy, with a burst of acidity on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($12). Crisp and refreshing, with tart and sweet citrus fruit mingling with subtle touches of tropical fruit, vanilla extract, and light oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/02)
Chateau St. Jean
2007 Fume Blanc Russian River Valley La Petite Etoile Vineyard ($20). Definitely a “fume,” with a generous smoky accent to the aromas and flavors. But there’s also enough silky melon and peach fruit, as well as bright citrus, to balance things out. Complex, lingering, spicy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-15)
2007 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($13) is not only a pleasure, it’s a real bargain. The oak stays in the background, offering some complexity and support to the clean, crisp, aromatic grapefruit, tropical melon, lemongrass and honeysuckle notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-23)
2002 Fume Blanc Russian River Valley La Petite Etoile Vineyard ($20). Smoky oak nose, and finishing with loads of smoky oak. In between, there’s dried apricot, lime zest, citrus, vanilla and whole nutmeg flavors. Full bodied — this is no crisp, juicy quaffer. Ready to drink now and over next couple of years. (Richard’s PIcks 10/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($13). Starts smooth and ripe, with fig and tropical fruit flavors, picking up layers of citrus and toast as the generous finish evolves. Ready to drink now. (Party Planning, 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1997 Fume Blanc Russian River Valley La Petite Etoile Vineyard ($11). I know what you’re thinking – why list two of the same varietals? Why pay two dollars more for this one? Well, it’s just different, that’s why. This one is more focused, I think. Citrus wins here, but is not overpowering. Just depends on your preferences – they’re both great. (Robyn’s Picks, 02/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1997 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($9). Loved this wine! Discovered it late last summer, which was probably just as well, as I had the opportunity to try other wines first. Had I tasted this in, say, June, I would have had only it for the rest of the season. I love the structure of this wine – a creamy finish on crisp Sauvignon Blanc tastes. Outstanding! (Robyn’s Picks, 02/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Chimney Rock 2008 Fume Blanc Napa Valley ($24). All stainless steel fermented, despite the name, with lush white peach and fig, an array of pretty citrus notes, and mineral-driven, crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-07)
Clayhouse 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($14). Pretty! Offering fleshy white melon and green fig playing off crisp pear, and picking up mineral, tangy citrus notes and fresh herbal notes on the finish. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now. (2011-01-15)
Clos du Bois 2007 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast ($12). Bright, juicy lime and grapefruit aromas and flavors mix with sweeter peach and pineapple, for an easy-drinking Sauv Blanc. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-04)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc California ($12). Good choice for everyday Sauvignon Blanc, with its moderate but fresh tangerine, pineapple and crisp apple fruit flavors and aromas that pick up a touch of spice on the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 12/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Dancing Bull 2008 Sauvignon Blanc California ($12). Nice value here, with juicy lime and tangerine accenting green apple flavors, with fresh, grassy notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-05-26)
De Loach 2000 Fume Blanc Sonoma County Russian River Valley ($14). Racy citrus, including grapefruit and lime, mingles with sweet pea and grass. Toasty oak and light vanilla emerges on the finish. Refreshing! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)
de Lorimier 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($10). Heck of a deal, offering focused, lively citrus flavors offset by straw, mineral and dried fig accents. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)
Deerfield Ranch
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley Peterson Vineyard ($18). Complex, integrated fruit flavors marry with oak nuances. Displays some crisp structure, but is more smooth than racy. Big enough to stand up to a wide range of foods, it has a mouthfeel that is almost Chardonnay-like. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley Peterson Vineyard ($18). Tropical fruit, apple, and sweet citrus are layered with dough and an earthy grassiness in this complex wine. An unusual, interesting wine — definitely worth a try! Would work with more foods than one might expect with a Sauvignon Blanc. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 02/02)
Dry Creek
2000 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($13). Bright, concentrated citrus fruit is laced with grassy notes. A definite lime note on the bouquet and palate. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)
1999 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($7, 375ml). Just enough oak adds a round smoothness to this otherwise crisp and racy Sauvignon Blanc. Nice finish. I would like this with a plate of smoked salmon, red onion, and plenty of capers! Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 04/01)
Duckhorn Vineyards 1998 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($18). Crisp, clean pear is the star here, with touches of spice, grassiness, and creamy vanilla. A very nice combination. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/00)
Dynamite
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County Kelsey Creek ($11). Concentrated grapefruit aromas and flavors are accented with grassy and herbal notes that stay direct through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County ($11). All refreshing citrus and juicy melon, with a focused, clean finish. Easy to like! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/06)
2003 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County Kelsey Creek Vineyard ($11). Quite pale, but with appealing lemon-lime flavors on a moderate frame. Picks up touches of earth on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Tastes quite Italian, actually!) (Bargain Wine 06/05)
Edna Valley
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Edna Valley-San Luis Obispo County Paragon ($15). Pungent grapefruit and tropical citrus are racy and in your face – this is a love it or hate it wine, but some of us loved it! With loads of grassy notes and a touch of smoke. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/07)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Paragon ($14). Really grassy, with more citrus pith than fruit. Didn’t love. (World Wide Wine 12/05)
EOS Estate
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($15). Fresh citrusy bouquet introduces grapefruit, lemon zest and cilantro flavors. Finishes soft. Ready to drink now. (Party Planning, 02/04)
2002 Fume Blanc Paso Robles Reserve ($18). Lost of sweet vanilla oak aromas and flavors, with smoky nectarine and mineral and slight lime citrus accents. Better with food than without. Ready to drink now. (Party Planning, 02/04)
2000 Reserve Fume Blanc Paso Robles ($16). A lush tropical style Sauvignon Blanc with generous vanilla oak on the bouquet and palate. There are some citrus and herb notes, but on the whole, this wine could use more balance and seems a little heavy-handed. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)
1999 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($14). Intensely focused and citrusy, with tart lime and green apple fruit. Smoothes out just a bit on the finish, but remains clean and crisp. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)
Ferrari-Carano 2004 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($15). A “wow” wine, with racy, mouthwatering citrus, juicy apple, rich fig and a light herbal note. Long, focused finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05)
Fetzer
2001 Sauvignon Blanc California Echo Ridge ($8). Fresh and aromatic, with flavor notes that include key lime and juicy apple. Grass and just a slight touch of mint polish things off. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW, 08/02)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc California Echo Ridge ($9). This is a great value – complex and layered, well-balanced, full of focused fruit that features citrus and sweet pear notes. Fresh, slightly oaky finish. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW 10/01)
Flora Springs 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Oakville Soliloquy ($25). Nice! With vibrant tropical melon and citrus aromas and flavors on a medium-bodied frame, picking up just a touch of cream on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/08)
Foley 1997 Sauvignon Blanc Santa Barbara County ($14). This is a complicated Sauvignon Blanc, with its fig, cantaloupe, and nutty notes, but it is still every bit as clean and refreshing as you want a Sauvignon Blanc to be. Great finish. Great now, and will cellar for a couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/00)
Foppiano Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Estate ($18). Bright and aromatic, offering an array of crisp, juicy citrus — grapefruit, lemon, lime zest, pineapple — and a touch of pure-tasting nectarine, with a clean, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-12-24)
Fortress Vineyards
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Red Hills Lake County Musque Clone ($15). Clean, clear and focused, with citrus as the main player — but a range of lemon, Meyer lemon, grapefruit notes, along with gooseberry. Full, slightly creamy mid-palate, and a dry, crisp finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-20)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Red Hills Lake County ($18). Loved it! Dry and crisp and flavorful, with clean, fresh flavors of complex citrus, mineral and tropical melon. Stays focused through the finish. Ready to drink now. They say they’re trying to make a Graves-style Sauvignon Blanc — and it shows! Locate this wine online or in your area. (Picks & Nibbles 04/08)
Franciscan 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($17). Nice, with pretty, lime, lemon and melon aromas and flavors that have an appealing fresh-cut herbal quality lingering in the background. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-27)
Frei Brothers Reserve
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($20). Crisp green apple and aromatic grapefruit mingle here with lime zest and mineral notes, finishing juicy and slightly tart. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-03)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($17). Smooth, aromatic melon and toasty vanilla accent concentrated tropical citrus and orange zest, picking up a fresh grassy note on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
Gainey 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley Limited Selection ($19). This California Sauv Blanc is all about up front lime — juicy fruit, lime zest, heady aromas. With delicate layers of smooth melon and stony mineral notes underneath. Pretty and refreshing. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-12-14)
Gary Farrell 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Redwood Ranch ($20). Racy citrus and crisp green apple aromas and flavors are accented with fresh herbs and just a touch of vanilla. Stays pure and focused through to the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)
Geyser Peak
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley River Road Ranch Block Collection ($21). Vibrant lime and grapefruit notes are accented with gooseberry and wet grass, with just a touch of pretty toasted vanilla emerging on the mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc California ($12). Crisp and refrehsing, with aromatic, juicy citrus, pineapple and a touch of melon that linger on the finish. Great deal. Ready to drink now. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/07)
1998 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma ($9). This was fabulous – I especially appreciated the determined herb and floral layers that balance this very fruity wine. Bright and definitely complicated. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/99)
Grgich Hills
2008 Fume Blanc Napa Valley ($30). Mouthwatering aromas and flavors of Key lime, pink grapefruit and juicy lemon are layered with mineral and fresh, slightly pungent herbal notes, with a core of silky tropical melon. Long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
2007 Fume Blanc Napa Valley Dry ($30). Complex and elegant, with layers of aromatic citrus, lime zest and tropical melon fruit that fold into a medium-bodied, lightly spicy finish. Appealing acidity throughout makes this food-friendly and versatile. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-22)
2005 Fumé Blanc Napa Valley ($25). Sophisticated, serious wine here, with layers of grapefruit, lime blossom, kaffir lime leaves, slate and touches of smoke and spice. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
2007 Sauvignon Blanc California ($12). Crisp and juicy, with fresh citrus and kiwi aromas and flavors accented with clover and a touch of vanilla on the clean finish. Nice value. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-01)
2006 Dry Fume Blanc Napa Valley Estate Grown
($28). Juicy tropical fruit aromas and flavors are medium-bodied and crisp, with a touch of minerality on the citrusy finish. Very pretty. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 12/07)
Groth
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($19). Zesty citrus aromas introduce loads of fresh, racy fruit flavors that fold into a long finish. Stays fresh and clean, with melon, lime zest staying focused throughout. Offers some lush mouthfeel mid-palate. Ready to drink now. (2008-09-08) Locate this wine online or in your area. ($16). Quite fragrant, with ripe tropical melon and pineapple flavors and an appealing, creamy palate weight. A nice mouthful of fresh fruit. Finishes long and ripe. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/05)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). Lush melon and tropical fruits are jazzed up with lively citrus and good acidity. Touches of vanilla oak and an appealing earthiness kick in on the finish. Complex and layered — very good winemaking at an affordable price. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/02)
Guenoc 2001 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County ($14). Juicy apple and lime fruit with a generous grassy note. Stays crisp and racy through to the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02)
Hall
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Refreshing and clean, with crisp green apple, melon and citrus notes mingling on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. (Splurge Wine 02/08)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Intense and racy, with appealing grapefruit, lemon rind, peach and melon aromas and flavors that are refreshing and focused. Long, mouthwatering finish ends with a burst of citrus. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
Hanna
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($19). Fresh and fragrant, with lime, lime zest, tangerine, guava and clover aromas and flavors that stay pretty and focused through the long, appealing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-06)
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. (2009-06-06)
Honig
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($17). Fresh, smooth and aromatic, with juicy key lime, sweet clover and a touch of tangy grapefruit, with a round, creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). A pretty array of flavors include aromatic citrus zest, mineral, pear, nectarine and freshly cut grass. Stays elegant and flavorful through the lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05)
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). Focused tropical fruit laced with clover and juicy sweet fig notes and picking up crisp citrus notes on the finish. Delicious and a great value! Wonderful with round after round of sushi! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)
Husch Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino La Ribera Vineyard ($14). Tangerine, melon, lime zest — all comes together in an appealing wine that offers nice complexity at this price point. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-21)
Justin 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($16). Lively citrus bouquet is accented with jalapeno pepper. Juicy grapefruit, peach and orange zest flavors are bright and intense through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)
Kendall-Jackson
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino-Lake Counties Grand Reserve ($20). Loads of aromatic grapefruit character up front, smoothing out on the finish and picking up touches of fig and ripe pineapple, along with light grassy notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-30)
2008 Sauvignon Blanc California Vintner’s Reserve ($12). A nice surprise — with tasty, bright lemon/lime citrus accenting melon and ripe pear flavors, with a vanilla-laced finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-20)
1999 Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($10). This was everything a Sauvignon Blanc should be — crisp and refreshing with notes of vanilla and tastes of lime and pear. (Weekend Wine, 04/01)
Kenwood 2001 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($12). Straightforward and easy to enjoy, with lots of concentrated citrusy fruit flavors and grassy, herbal accents. Focused, lasting finish. Ready to drink now. Food pairing: salad of mixed greens topped with poached salmon and a tangerine mango vinaigrette. (Weekend Wine, 08/03)
Kunde Estate
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane ($17). Refreshing and appealing, with juicy lime accents to smooth melon and guava, with a clean, lightly grassy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-30)
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane ($16). Aromatic tropical citrus flavors are light and bright, with a dose of jalapeno on the juicy, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-27)
Liparita 2000 Sauvignon Blanc Oakville ($18). With an array of citrus, concentrated honeyed pear, and spicy orange peel notes, this is a bright and assertive wine. Nicely balanced. Tasty finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/02)
Lockwood Vineyards
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County ($10). Juicy grapefruit and lemon-lime lead the way, with delicate herbal and blossom accents and a touch of ripe pear on the refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-09)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey ($11). Bright, juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes marry with appealing toasty oak and subtle herbal notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02)
Magito 2006 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast ($16). Soft and pretty, with juicy melon and peach notes laced with moderate citrus character. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (75%), Sauvignon Musque, Viognier and Verdelho. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-19)
Markham
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($16). This one is all citrus, with layers of pineapple, lime, tangerine and lemon curd, with a long, complex finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-27)2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($10). Racy tropical fruit, juicy grapefruit, tart lemon rind, and grassy notes add up to a very enjoyable wine and a darn good value. (Bargain Wines, 12/02)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($10) Racy and full of citrus and bright pear fruit flavors, getting fuller and fatter mid-palate, then zeroing in on a focused, lingering finish. Heck of a deal. Ready to drink now. Delicious paired with a starter salad of mixed greens and pan roasted apples, topped with a round of warm hazelnut-crusted goat cheese and drizzled with a lemon chive vinaigrette at New Orlean’s Cobalt. (Weekend Wine 06/04)
($14). Freshly cut flowers and herbs perfume soft peach and melon fruit, ending with a refreshing burst of citrus. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
Mason 2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($16). Round, ripe tropical fruit flavors, a racy herbal component, and toasty vanilla oak. Lovely bouquet, tons of personality. Delicious finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
Matanzas Creek
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley Helena Bench Vineyard ($38). Gorgeous, finely-nuanced with stony mineral and floral notes, and featuring juicy green apple, grapefruit, starfruit and green papaya, with a long finish that stays bright, even as it picks up a touch of spice. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-05-11)
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($19). Crisp and clean, with tightly-wound Granny Smith apple aromas and flavors layered with smooth pink grapefruit, lemon curd and a touch of fresh herbal notes that linger in the mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-28)
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. (2009-06-06)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($20). Fresh and bright, with zesty lime and grapefruit supporting smooth melon and nectarine flavors. Stays refreshing through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/08)
Mayacamas Vineyards
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Mt. Veeder Napa Valley ($25). Distinctive, pretty mineral notes are layered with green apple, orange zest, tangerine and a touch of fresh herbal notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-04-14)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($30). Very nice, with lovely complexity that grabs you with every sip. A spicy white pepper note accents juicy lime, grapefruit and tropical melon, finishing with a hit of crisp minerality. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-18)($20). Generous acidity supports tightly wound lime zest and bright pear fruit flavors, with fresh grassy aromas, and a subtle grapefruit note on the finish. Awfully good now and over the next three or four years. (Wine Skinny Best!, 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Pure fruit expression includes bright citrus and crisp pear. Minimal oak aging adds a roundness without interfering with the bouquet or taste — this is all fruit. We paired it with a young goat cheese and some sweet & spicy onion marmalade with terrific results. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1998 Sauvignon Blanc ($18). I loved the 1997 vintage of this wine so much that I was doubtful the 1998 could live up to my expectations. But winemaker Bob Travers has done it again. This wine is every bit as full and vibrant, with bright, even spicy, pear and a fresh grassy core that I love. Mayacamas’ Sauvignon Blancs are unusually intense and full-bodied, making them wonderful drinking for at least four or five years after release. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1997 Sauvignon Blanc ($17). As you may notice, this issue of the Wine Skinny is somewhat of a Mayacamas extravaganza. But they just keep making great wines! This one is no exception. Vibrant and bold and invigorating, with bright pear and grassy herbs, this Sauvignon Blanc is wonderful. And they say it will age for several years! (Robyn’s Picks, 08/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Meridian
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast ($10). Freshly mown grass aromas mingle with grapefruit, melon and crisp apple flavors. A heck of a deal. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1999 Sauvignon Blanc California ($8). Lovely pear and peach fruit is layered with nutmeg and honeysuckle – this is an elegant style Sauvignon Blanc. Generous finish. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW 10/01)
Merryvale
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Starmont ($18). Really pretty stuff here, with ripe, aromatic tropical melon laced with vibrant lemon, lime and juicy orange, with a touch of cream on the long, concentrated finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-30)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Starmont ($18). Loads of bright grapefruit aromas and flavors are balanced with ripe tropical melon and fig, folding into a lush, smooth finish with just a hint of wet stone. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Starmont ($15). Crisp green apple and tangerine flavors and aromas are mellowed with grassy notes and vanilla oak on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Label Art 06/05)
1997 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). A little pricier than my other selections – but well worth it. Merryvale wines are consistently among my favorites, and this Sauvignon Blanc is no exception. The toasty, nutty finish lingered forever. Outstanding with the Caesar salad at Pinot Blanc – check out the Skinny’s trip to Napa Valley! (Robyn’s Picks, 08/99)
Moon Mountain
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($11). Juicy apple and citrus mingle with a fresh grassy note. It’s nothing overly complex, but tasty and good with spicy Chinese food! Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($12). Honeyed apple and citrus flavors and aromas linger through the crisp finish. Nice value. Ready to drink now. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/07)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($13). Smoky lime oil aromas introduce tropical fruit flavors, vanilla and toasty oak. More of a “fume” in style. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
Morro Bay 2009 Sauvignon Blanc California Split Oak Estates Sur Lie ($12). A nice surprise at this price, tart but not pungent, with grapefruit and other juicy citrus flavors mingling with mineral and a dash of dried herbal notes. Refreshing. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-20)
Murphy-Goode
2009 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast The Fume ($13). Nice! With juicy, tangy grapefruit accenting fresh peach, lemon-lime and mandarin flavors. Refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine onlie or in your area. (2011-04-13)
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley The Fumé ($12). A heck of a deal at this price, the wine offers nice balance and complexity, with ripe tropical citrus and melon accented with lemon zest and touches of cream, smoke and toast. Ready to drink now. (Label Art 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Fume Blanc Alexander Valley Reserve ($17). Ripe tropical fruit flavors are laced with plenty of fresh grass and tart citrus zest accents. Picks up vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/04)
2001 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($13). Juicy tropical fruit on a medium-bodied frame. Includes crisp citrus and honeyed fig notes on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02)
2000 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($13). This straightforward Sauvignon Blanc features good crisp fruit and plenty of vanilla oak. I didn’t get much of the smokiness that I look for in a Fume Blanc, even with the roasted flavors in a red pepper soup, but it was still a nice wine. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)
1999 Fume Blanc Sonoma County ($11). Cool and crisp with lush tropical and citrus notes, it was the perfect and refreshing complement to a spicy Thai chicken dish. (Weekend Wine, 05/01)
Napa Station 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($14). Bright and tangy, offering gooseberry and citrus aromas and flavors that are laced with light herbal notes that linger on the slightly creamy, melon-accented finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-21)
Niner 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles Bootjack Ranch ($17). I tasted this in a blind tasting with other California Sauvignon Blancs in the same price range (plus-or-minus $5), and the Niner was the clear winner with all our tasters. It’s fresh and balanced, offering an array of aromatic citrus and light fresh herbal notes, with a lightly creamy mid-palate and a bright finish that includes crisp nectarine. Ready to drink now. (2011-03-26)
Novella 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($11). Grassy, pineapple bouquet leads to more pineapple and melon fruit on the palate, with lemon zest on the juicy finish. Light and cooling quaff. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/04)
Patianna Organic Vineyards
2010 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino (Made with Organic Grapes) ($17). I really liked this wine — great value for the price, with an array of pretty, tangy, focused citrus. Orange zest, tangerine, key lime and lemon oil play off smooth melon and a light mineral note. Easy to like and quite food friendly. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-04-14)
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County ($17). Very pretty, with smooth, clean, focused orange melon, tangerine and melon notes, an appealing palate weight, and a lush but bright finish. So easy to enjoy. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-20)
Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County ($18). Nice! Juicy and bright, without the excessive pungency that some Sauv Blancs offer. With pretty lemon and melon aromas and flavors, and a light grassy note. Food friendly — paired nicely with a frisée salad with roasted figs, goat cheese and toasted almonds. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-29)
Pomelo 2008 Sauvignon Blanc California ($10). This one was a nice surprise, offering fragrant, crisp apple, grapefruit, peach and mineral notes that stay bright and juicy through the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-29)
Provenance 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford ($20). Elegant and complex, with layers of Meyer lemon, pear, tropical melon and citrus zest that pick up mineral and spice notes through the slightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-01)2005 Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford
Rancho Arroyo Grande 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County Deep Sea ($18). Pungent (in a good way!) with mineral and grapefruit aromas and flavors, along with juicy orange and honeydew, and a long, crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-30)
Rancho Zabaco
($19). Delicious and worth every cent, with fragrant, zesty lime and apple flavors laced with judicious touches of spice, cream and fresh herbal notes. Nice length on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/06)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc California Dancing Bull ($10). Tasty — and at a great price! With grapefruit and citrus and grassy notes combining in a refreshing quaff. Nice with pre-party nibbles. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
2003 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Reserve ($18). Fresh passion fruit, gooseberry, orange and lime zest, with a light grassy note — all adds up to a light and refreshing wine with a crisp finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/04)
2003 Sauvignon Blanc California Dancing Bull ($10). Fragrant lime and floral notes introduce juicy citrus and apple fruit flavors, laced with freshly cut grass. Clean and great for warm weather sipping. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 06/04)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Reserve ($18). Fresh, pretty aromas of pea shoots, floral and soft citrus repeat on the palate, along with a touch of mineral. Nice mid-palate softness, with fruit that is forward and pretty, not racy. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/04)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc California Dancing Bull ($10). Clean and easy-drinking, with loads of juicy citrus fruit balanced against tropical undertones and herbal accents. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 08/03)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Reserve ($18). Zesty citrus acidity from start to finish supports crisp apple and passion fruit. Lovely floral and grassy aromas, like a freshly mown meadow. Lingering finish stays focused. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Pick, 10/03)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($16). Begins on a pronounced tart note that quickly settles into a medium-bodied tasty wine. Nicely balanced, with crisp green apple on the finish. A winner with fresh goat cheeses. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 09/01)
Raymond 2000 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Reserve ($11). Juicy apple and creamy lemon curd are accented with toasty oak and just a touch of pineapple on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02)
RH Phillips
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Dunnigan Hills ($8). Steely clean and fresh, set off by ripe tropical fruit and crisp, juicy apple. Stays crisp and refreshing through to the finish. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW, 08/02)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Dunnigan Hills ($7). Intense and zippy, this is a fun wine with plenty of personality. Bright orchard fruit is accented with citrus and herbs, ending in a mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW 10/01)
1999 Sauvignon Blanc Dunnigan Hills ($8). (88% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Semillon) A refreshing and clean Sauvignon Blanc replete with citrus, grass, tropical fruit, and melon with the added luscious dimension of Semillon. (ETFOFW, 01/01)
Robert Hall
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($15). Lightly perfumed grassy notes accent bright citrus and crisp apple fruit, picking up almond and a touch of cream through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/07)
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($14). Nice complexity at the price point, with smooth apple and tropical citrus fruit laced with vanilla and toasty oak accents. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
Robert Mondavi
2008 Fume Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Concentrated and crisp, offering a core of juicy peach accented with aromatic lemon zest, fresh herbal notes and generous spice notes that linger on the smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-08-27)
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County Private Selection ($11). Here’s a nice surprise — loads of juicy lime, a touch of grapefruit, and a clean, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-21)
2007 Fume Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Crisp citrus stays focused from beginning to end, with an appealing, medium-plus palate weight and creamy texture that supports fleshy peach and melon fruit. Long, fresh finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-19)
1997 Fumé Blanc ($12). This is a lovely wine – bright and fresh, but not too citrusy; round and soft, but not at all heavy. A very good finish emphasizes the full fruit notes. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/99)
Rodney Strong
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Charlotte’s Home ($15). Nice price on this full, fleshy Sauv Blanc, with ripe melon accented with orange rind and citrus fruit, picking up herbal notes through the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-29)
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Charlotte’s Home ($14). A heck of a deal, with pretty pear and peach fruit laced with zippy lime notes. Picks up a trace of mineral on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-28)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($15). Fresh and lemony, with crisp citrus and clean, grassy notes adding to the medium-bodied fig and topical flavors. A delicious, versatile, everyday white. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 10/07)
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($15). Fresh and juicy, with crisp Fuji apple, tangerine, citrus zest and mineral notes. Vibrant and delicate at the same time. Finishes fresh and juicy. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($15). Pretty orange and lemon zest aromas introduce juicy melon, fig and citrus flavors that linger on the mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain wine 02/06)
Saracina 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County ($23). Hits a nice balance — with juicy, mouthwatering lemon and tangerine playing off a core of softer melon. An appealing dose of mineral emerges on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-03)
Sbragia Family Vineyards
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Home Ranch ($20). Sauvignon Blanc can be such a funny grape — sometimes all pungent grapefruit and herbaceous, or even less pleasant things. But then sometimes (like here) it’s wonderfully bright and pretty. Offering juicy lime and ripe green pear, with accents of lemon zest, smooth apricot and light mineral notes. With a generous, supple finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-22)
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. (2009-06-06)
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Home Ranch ($20). Juicy pineapple and other aromatic tropical fruit flavors are fresh and vibrant, with touches of lemongrass and cream on the long finish that seems to keep gaining complexity as it goes along. Very nice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
Sonoma Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County ($15). Grassy aromas and flavors accent bright grapefruit and lime zest flavors, with a kick of jalapeno that lingers on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-27)
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. (2009-06-06)2005 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($19). Yum! Juicy and refreshing, with lime blossom, lime zest, guava and grapefruit flavors and aromas, with a long, racy finish. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
Silverado Vineyards 1998 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($13). Tangy citrus and Granny Smith apple combine with just the slightest touch of oak to make a crisp and refreshing quaff. (eVineyard Picks, 09/00)
Simi
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Charlotte’s Home ($14). Crisp green apple and hay aromas and flavors pick up citrus and melon notes on the clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 12/06)
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Dollarhide ($35). Rich and complex, with lithe citrus, including grapefruit and tangerine, that stays lively through the finish, picking up aromatic apricot, lime zest and mineral notes along the way. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
($21). Delivers loads of grapefruit and gooseberry aromas and flavors — as the winery says, this is “leap out of the glass” wine. Crisp, racy, refreshing, with plenty of mouthwatering acidity. Would work nicely with simply boiled or fried shrimp or calamari, or your favorite crabcakes. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). Always a good buy, this vintage offers a concentrated mix of melon, apple and grapefruit. Stays focused from the heady bouquet through the lingering finish. Delicious! Ready to drink now. Food pairing: glazed, roasted pork tenderloin. (Weekend Wine, 08/03)
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). Surprisingly ripe and fruity, this wine offers full apple and citrus fruit with understated herbal notes. Clean and refreshing. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/02)
2000 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). This is becoming an annual thing for us. St. Supery does Sauvignon Blanc so well every year, that we have begun to think of it is as a warm weather ritual. Crisp and refreshing, with fresh citrus and grassy notes, and a most enjoyable finish. Beautifully balanced. We’re thinking of pairing it with lots of sushi! (Weekend Wine, 04/01)
1998 Sauvignon Blanc Napa ($12). Good, strong citrus and orchard fruits give this wine its character. Its beautiful straw color, heady fragrance and pleasing finish make this wine an all-around good choice. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/99 and 06/00)
Souverain 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($15). Bright and citrusy, with tangerine and grapefruit mingling with softer melon and pear notes, winding up in a long, lightly spicy and slightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-20)
Sterling Vineyards
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast Vintner’s Collection ($9) is a decent little wine! With juicy melon, peach and citrus aromas and flavors that stay fresh (and never get flabby!) through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-23)
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). A rich, but balanced, mix of aromatic fig, citrus and melon accent a juicy pear core, with a crisp, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 08/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2005 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast Vintner’s Collection ($11). Juicy, aromatic lemongrass, grapefruit and fig flavors stay crisp through the citrusy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 08/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast ($13). Aromatic honeysuckle and floral notes introduce racy nectarine and citrus fruit flavors, with hints of herbs and lemon peel. Crisp and refreshing. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2001 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast ($12). Floral aromas introduce a refreshing mix of stone fruit and melon, with focused herbal, grassy and citrus accents in this elegant wine. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Stone Cellars 2003 Sauvignon Blanc California ($8). On the simple side, with canned pear juice flavors dominating some underlying citrus and grassy notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Tangent 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Edna Valley Paragon Vineyard ($13). Love the purity of fruit flavors here — gooseberry, passion fruit, green apple, pineapple, tangerine. Not a trace of sourness or pungency, just crisp, juicy, mouthwatering fruit. Light touches of minerality evolve through the finish. Ready to drink now. (2011-01-14)
Turning Leaf 2001 Sauvignon Blanc California ($7). Features concentrated tropical fruit, picking up citrus on the clean, refreshing finish. Light and easy to drink. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 12/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Waterstone 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($12). Delicious, with complex layers of concentrated citrus, honeyed tropical melon, dried herbs, and a touch of nectarine balancing the appealing acidity on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Wattle Creek
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County ($17). Fresh and juicy, with layers of aromatic citrus and fresh herbs that stay crisp through the refreshing finish. (Weekend Wine 12/07)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino ($17). Juicy grapefruit and aromatic, ripe melon are accented with pretty floral and herbal notes that emerge on the citrusy finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino ($17). Focused lemon peel, grapefruit, fresh clover from beginning to end. Refreshing, with clean, balanced, classic varietal character. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/04)
Whitehall Lane
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). Sophisticated pear and melon flavors are layered with lemon zest, grass and vanilla notes. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/04)
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15). This wine was the real eye-opener in the lineup. Aromatic and fresh, with crisp melon and citrus fruit, accented with lime zest, guava and delicate honeysuckle floral notes. Lingering but clean, focused finish. Delicious. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 04/03)
ZD Wines 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Rosa Lee ($20). Crisp and juicy, with racy lime and grapefruit accented with generous mineral notes on the focused finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/07)
2004 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Reserve ($18). Clean, crisp and juicy, with grapefruit, lemongrass, kiwi and melon flavors, and a mineral note that emerges on the dry finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 08/06)
