Suddenly, THIS summer - Sauvignon Blanc


I surprised Cory during my Madison Cellars shopping, by being in the market for white wine.   Heretofore a confirmed red fanatic, this record summer heat has me going for perfectly chilled, subtly fruity, yet mineral-ly sauvignon blanc and relatives.  Her suggestions have been hitting the spot.

Starborough - New Zealand.  Refreshing flavors of citrus and tropical fruits with notes of fresh-cut grass. Layers of passion fruit, guava and kiwi create a crisp, approachable palate.  I concur.

From their website:  The Marlborough district of New Zealand's South Island has set the world standard for crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines. Marlborough is on the east coast of the island, with a ridge of mountains to the west, limiting rainfall and making it one of the sunniest areas in the country. The landscape is pierced by deep, fjord-like bays, called "sounds," which enhance the maritime influence and extend the growing season for wine grapes. The long, cool growing season helps the wines of this region to develop rich layers of flavor with a distinctive, refreshing character.

Matua  - another from NZ's Marlborough.  Matua is a Maori word meaning "head of the family."
Winemaker's Notes: All the varietal zing you'd expect from the granddaddies of Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Look at it in a glass – it's just about singing with freshness.  The lively nose shows tropical and citrus fruits with subtle herbaceous characters. Its crisp fresh palate offers classic Marlborough acidity, structure and length.

Dark Horse SB - This one saw me through the Natchez Food and Wine Fest in fine fashion.   When I spot sushi in the offerings, I definitely go for the white and was glad to find this one at the booth.
Website:  The most refreshing wine from Dark Horse, our Sauvignon Blanc offers bright aromas of grapefruit and gooseberry lined with fresh green notes. Layers of citrus and melon flavors create a crisp taste with medium viscosity and a long, refreshing finish.
Our Winemaker Beth Liston selected these grapes from premier California vineyards. The dry and warm year of 2014 allowed just the right amount of sunlight on the berries, resulting in an ideal balance of flavor and acidity in the glass. The deliciously ripe citrus flavors and crisp minerality in this Sauvignon Blanc make it comparable to any New Zealand contender.
Its affordability is a plus.

Dry Creek Fume Blanc - from CA, a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy.  They say:  Winemaker Tim Bell is showing finesse with this signature white for the winery. All stainless-steel fermented, it’s racy in acidity and offers juicy fruit flavors of apricot, lemon and lime, plus fresh-cut grass and an herbal streak on top of stony minerality. It finishes long. Pair it with oysters and a day on the bay.
Cool labels, too:  http://www.drycreekvineyard.com/wine-for-sailors/labels/

Line 39 SB  84 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Comparatively simple in both scent and taste, and a wine that runs to candied sweetness from beginning to end (with) richness and reach...good marks for cleanliness.


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