{"id":54,"date":"2009-07-02T14:18:20","date_gmt":"2009-07-02T14:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=54"},"modified":"2009-07-18T14:19:23","modified_gmt":"2009-07-18T14:19:23","slug":"refreshing-sauvignon-blanc-for-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=54","title":{"rendered":"Refreshing Sauvignon Blanc for the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last few months we have reviewed over 45 different Sauvignon Blancs in preparation for the summer wine drinking months.\u00c2\u00a0 Below we recommend 25 of them as Very Good or better.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 In our opinion, Sauvignon Blanc is a terrific summer pour.\u00c2\u00a0 It performs well when served chilled and is more refreshing than most wines.\u00c2\u00a0 Since we did several tastings to get to this point, we will list the wines in decending order with highest scoring wines listed first.<\/p>\n

\"MerryThe highest scoring wine we tried this spring was Merry Edwards 2007 \u201cRussian River Valley\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $29<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We scored this wine 92 points<\/strong>, shortly thereafter the Wine Spectator scored it even higher at 96 points.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 At that point it became very very tough to get a bottle.\u00c2\u00a0 But we know our readers enjoy a challenge.\u00c2\u00a0 As for the wine, we found it to be very well balanced between its acidity and fruit.\u00c2\u00a0 It is also quite tasty and displays light lime and green apple flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 The finish is dry, crisp, and refreshing.\u00c2\u00a0 It also lingers quite some time for a Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 I would suggest that you find a restaurant that lists this now highly allocated bottle of wine and enjoy it with some chicken piccata.\u00c2\u00a0 It was clearly one of the best Sauvignon Blancs of the year.<\/p>\n

\"LailOur second favorite Sauvignon Blanc is from Lail<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Their 2007 \u201cGeorgia\u201d\u009d<\/strong><\/a> is quite nice.\u00c2\u00a0 We also scored it Very Good + and awarded it 92 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 However, this wine comes with a pretty big price tag at $100<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is a very classy Sauvignon Blanc and it won over quite a few tasters when we recently tried it.\u00c2\u00a0 Its different style and sophistication surprised the group.\u00c2\u00a0 It is extremely smooth and well balanced.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile is an unusual complex blend of honey, cantaloupe, and oak,\u00c2\u00a0not atypical for Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 If you can afford it, give the winery a call and try a bottle of this unique version Sauvignon Blanc.<\/p>\n

\"KimTo no one's surprise our third highest scoring Sauvignon Blanc comes from Kim Crawford<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $19<\/strong> scored 92 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Personally I liked the 2008 more than the highly acclaimed 2007.\u00c2\u00a0 It is a light bodied wine that is well balanced, clean, and displays tasty lime flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 What I like most about it, is that it is very food-friendly and would pair quite nicely with swordfish or mahi mahi.<\/p>\n

\"DryDry Creek Vineyard<\/strong> has always been known for their Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 Their 2006 “DCV3 Estate Fume Blanc”<\/a><\/strong> for $25<\/strong> stood out as their best offering this year.\u00c2\u00a0 It was quite impressive and we scored it 91 points<\/strong>. It is brilliant and bright with its white gold coloring.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, this wine is full bodied, creamy, and viscous. You usually do not find these kinds of characteristics in a Sauvignon Blanc. The flavor profile was impressive as well. There were tasty ripe pear flavors mixed with some green apple and a touch of minerality.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine would pair very well with Chicken St. Timothy or any other chicken dish is a cream sauce.<\/p>\n

\"AdThe next Sauvignon Blanc came out of nowhere.\u00c2\u00a0 Or shall I say it was a wine from Western Australia that I had never heard of before.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Ad Lib \u201cStraw Man\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $17<\/strong> scored 90 points<\/strong> in one of our mini flights.\u00c2\u00a0 One reviewer stated that this offering from down under was clearly one of the best Sauvignon Blanc's that we tried this month.\u00c2\u00a0 It is light-bodied, balanced, and crisp with very tasty lime flavors with hints of minerality nicely blended in.\u00c2\u00a0 Very refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.<\/p>\n

\"StNext up was the 2008 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> from Napa Valley for $23<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 In a different mini flight this wine took top honors and we awarded it with 90 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is nicely balanced and slightly viscous.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile is grapefruit with a hint of minerals and lime.\u00c2\u00a0 One taster could not believe this wine was from Napa.\u00c2\u00a0 He pegged it from New Zealand because of its style.<\/p>\n

\"KJOur next wine is a terrific value.\u00c2\u00a0 If you are having a summer party, I would certainly recommend the 2007 Kendall Jackson \u201cVintners Reserve\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $11<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We also gave this wine 90 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 KJ has done a terrific job with their \u201cVintners Reserve\u201d\u009d level whites in recent vintages.\u00c2\u00a0 This Sauvignon Blanc is no exception.\u00c2\u00a0 As a matter of fact, we think this offering is a terrific wine for the money.\u00c2\u00a0 We recently conducted a mini blind tasting of Sauvignon Blanc's and this wine tied for the top spot.\u00c2\u00a0 Our group agreed this Sauvignon Blanc would do quite nicely on its own on a hot summer day.\u00c2\u00a0 But it would also certainly enhance a mild flavored meal like broiled scallops.<\/p>\n

\"TohuIn our big blind tasting, our top 2 spots went to Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2007 Tohu \u201cMugwi\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $22<\/strong> was our clear winner.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine scored a Very Good and it was awarded 89.3 points<\/strong> from the panel.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, this medium bodied wine was well balanced and slightly creamy.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavors are mineral infused gooseberry with hints of grapefruit.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel thought this wine would pair well with grilled tuna.\u00c2\u00a0 After the tasting, several panelists ordered this wine.\u00c2\u00a0 \"CatalinaIn second place in this tasting was the 2007 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $17<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This offering was a little lighter with crisp green apple flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 It also showed off its New Zealand roots with notes of grapefruit and minerality detected on the back palate.\u00c2\u00a0 One panelist declared; \u201cthis is what you expect from a Very Good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.\u201d\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 It received 89.3 points<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Next up was Lail Vineyards<\/strong>, who returned to the recommended list with its second label.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 \u201cBlueprint\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $38<\/strong> scored a Very Good and was given 89 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Like the Georgia, this Sauvignon Blanc from Napa is stylistically very different than most Sauvignon Blancs you will try.\u00c2\u00a0 It offers a complex blend of ripe peach, apricot, butterscotch and some minerality.\u00c2\u00a0 The group that tried this wine liked it and the consensus was that they would pair it with chicken marsala.<\/p>\n

\"CelestinOur favorite French offering was the 2007 Celestin Blondeau \u201cCuvee des Moulin Bales\u201d\u009d<\/strong><\/a> for $20<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine from Sancerre also scored 89 points<\/strong>. It was light-bodied, nicely balanced, and had a dry mouthfeel.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavors were a tasty light lime and green apple blend.\u00c2\u00a0 We felt this wine would pair well with ham.<\/p>\n

\"FreemarkReturning to our blind tasting, the 2007 Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $24<\/strong> finished in 3rd place.\u00c2\u00a0 Readers interested in sustainably grown wine<\/strong> would like to know\u00c2\u00a0about this Napa Valley\u00c2\u00a0Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 We scored this wine Very Good and gave it 88.7 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel was intrigued by how clear the color of this wine was.\u00c2\u00a0 However for what it lacked in color, it made up for with bouquet and taste.\u00c2\u00a0 We really enjoyed its attractive flowery and honeydew melon like bouquet and its mineral infused green apple flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 A crowd pleaser and a nice refreshing summer option.<\/p>\n

\"ConoOur favorite Chilean offering came from Cono Sur<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This was no surprise as we have found Cono Sur to be a leader with their value priced white wines.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 \u201cVision\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $15<\/strong> finished in 4th place in our big blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel found this offering to be a lot of wine for the money.\u00c2\u00a0 They scored it Very Good with 88.4 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It was crisp and a little tart.\u00c2\u00a0 It displayed green apple flavors with some light lemon and minerals mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel thought it would nicely complement grilled swordfish.<\/p>\n

\"FritzThe last wine we are going to highlight is the 2008 Fritz \u201cEstate Grown\u201d\u009d Sauvignon Blanc<\/a> $22<\/strong> from Dry Creek Valley.\u00c2\u00a0 Fritz has performed consistently well with our panel over that last couple of years.\u00c2\u00a0 Especially with their white wines.\u00c2\u00a0 This offering is light bodied and zippy with tasty tangy lime flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 One panelist felt this wine would pair perfectly with his seared scallops over a bed of saut\u00e9ed brussels sprouts and shallots.\u00c2\u00a0 We scored this 88.3 points<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Other recommended Sauvignon Blancs for your enjoyment this summer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

15) Veramonte 2008 SB “Reserva”<\/a><\/strong> (Casablanca Valley, Chile) $11<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)
\n16) Claude Riffault 2007 SB \u201cLes Boucauds\u201d\u009d<\/a><\/strong> (Sancerre, FR) $22<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)
\n17) Navarro Vineyards 2007\u00c2\u00a0\u201cCuvee 128\u201d\u009d<\/a><\/strong> (Mendocino, CA) $18<\/strong> (87.7<\/strong>)
\n18) Clayhouse 2007 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> (Paso Robles, CA) $14<\/strong> (87.7<\/strong>)
\n19) Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 SB \u201cHorse Heaven Vineyard\u201d\u009d<\/a><\/strong> (WA) $15<\/strong> (87.6<\/strong>)
\n20) Villa Maria 2007 SB \u201cCellar Selection\u201d\u009d<\/a><\/strong> (Marlborough, NZ) $20<\/strong> (87.3<\/strong>)
\n21) Adobe Road 2006 SB \u201cDry Creek Valley\u201d\u009d<\/a><\/strong> $25<\/strong> (87.3<\/strong>)
\n22) Vina Robles 2008 Sauvignon Blanc “Jardine”<\/a><\/strong> (Paso Robles, CA) $16<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)
\n23) Fritz 2008 SB “Russian River Valley”<\/a><\/strong> (RRV) $18<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)
\n24) Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 SB<\/a><\/strong> (Columbia Valley, WA) $11<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)
\n25) Dutton Estate 2008 SB “Kylie's Cuvee”<\/strong> $17<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)
\n26) Columbia Crest 2006 SB “Two Vines”<\/a><\/strong> (Columbia Valley, WA) $8<\/strong> (Good+ 86<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

In conclusion, we hope you enjoy these great\u00c2\u00a0poolside wines\u00c2\u00a0this summer.\u00c2\u00a0 Please be sure to report back to us and comment on your favorite Sauvignon Blancs<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We would love to hear your thoughts.\u00c2\u00a0 Cheers!<\/p>\n

Ken<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Over the last few months we have reviewed over 45 different Sauvignon Blancs in preparation for the summer wine drinking months.\u00c2\u00a0 Below we recommend 25 of them as Very Good or better.\u00c2\u00a0 In our opinion, Sauvignon Blanc is a terrific summer pour.\u00c2\u00a0 It performs well when served chilled and is more refreshing than most wines.\u00c2\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,9,90,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-kens-wine-guide-tasting-panel","category-sauvignon-blanc","category-white-wine","category-wine-recommendations"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=54"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=54"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}