| | I opened several Sauvignon Blancs that had arrived as press samples. All were tasted single blind. - 2010 Matetic Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc EQ - Chile, San Antonio Valley
SRP: $20. A bright, zesty nose of lemon juice, lime rind, gooseberry and passion fruit. On the palate, lots of tropical fruits come through, along with a hint of chalk. A fun, refreshing wine that’d be perfect on a hot day. (90 pts.)
- 2010 Mayacamas Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
SRP: $25. On the nose, fresh cut grass, lime juice, and pink grape fruit. A surprisingly complex palate showing a hint of lees and salinity. A bit too tart at the very finish, but a very tasty wine. (89 pts.)
- 2011 Brampton Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
SRP: $10. On the nose, fresh green peppers and asparagus along with grass and a hint of gooseberries. The palate is lively, but it’s too aggressively green. (86 pts.)
- 2011 Envolve Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $20. A beautiful, fresh Sauvignon Blanc with Oceanspray Pink Grapefruit Juice, fresh lime, and all sorts of other citrus notes. Bright and refreshing on the palate, if a bit simple. (90 pts.)
- 2011 Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
SRP: $12. On the nose, a fresh, simple Sauvignon Blanc that’s exploding with Meyer lemons, pink grapefruit, and white peaches. The palate is much richer than one would expect – full of lush, tropical fruits and sweet citrus fruits. A definite crowd pleaser. (88 pts.)
- 2011 Douglas Green The Beachhouse White - South Africa, Western Cape
SRP: $10. The nose isn’t terribly aromatic, but it does give off a hint of lime, guava, and honeysuckle. The palate is unremarkable, but this wine is remarkably gulpable. (86 pts.)
- 2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $40. A stunningly complex Sauvignon Blanc with lemons, grapefruit, mint, and white flowers, along with a hint of gray minerality. The palate, while tightly wound, shows off sweet citrus notes and a hint of alcohol. This is a serious Sauvignon Blanc, and one that should likely be cellared for a few years. (90 pts.)
- 2009 Joseph Jewell Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
SRP: $24. The nose is subtle, marked by hints of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and yogurt. The palate is similar – neither simple nor complex, neither muted nor explosive. A simple but enjoyable wine. (88 pts.)
- 2010 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $23. A serious, lean Sauvignon Blanc that reminds me of a top-flight Sancerre. Underripe peaches meet pink grapefruit, pineapples, and chalk. The palate is much tarter than the nose suggests – exploding with zesty citrus notes, bracing minerality, and mouth-watering acidity. A solid wine. (92 pts.)
- 2010 Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc Grande Cuvée - South Africa, Coastal Region
SRP: $14. A seductive nose of fresh grass, asparagus, lemon rind, chalk dust, and crushed stones. The palate is similar, with a full mouthfeel and a long finish. A very interesting and tasty wine. (89 pts.)
- 2011 Douglas Green Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region
SRP: $11. The nose explodes with fresh-from-the-garden green pepper, wet grass, and a hint of pineapples and mangos. The palate, unfortunately, isn’t as pleasing – it’s awkwardly sweet with an extremely short finish. (86 pts.)
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