{"id":67,"date":"2010-06-23T13:51:10","date_gmt":"2010-06-23T13:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=67"},"modified":"2010-06-23T14:09:51","modified_gmt":"2010-06-23T14:09:51","slug":"sauvignon-blancs-for-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=67","title":{"rendered":"Sauvignon Blancs For Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"sauvignonThe Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong> wine samples\u00c2\u00a0we received\u00c2\u00a0this year included two which\u00c2\u00a0were exceptional.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Both\u00c2\u00a0are at a higher price\u00c2\u00a0point,\u00c2\u00a0but are definitely worth the investment.\u00c2\u00a0 These wines were followed by\u00c2\u00a0four wines that scored<\/strong> 90 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 These are terrific options and they\u00c2\u00a0are very good values, <\/strong>given their quality and price points.\u00c2\u00a0 Just behind those four wines were a group of Sauvignon Blancs that scored 89 points, just missing the elusive 90-point mark.\u00c2\u00a0 All are Very Good wines and we encourage you to try them.\u00c2\u00a0 We wrap up the recommendations with another group of Very Good offerings that either scored 88 or 87 points.\u00c2\u00a0 We hope you enjoy these summer sippers-perfect\u00c2\u00a0for a\u00c2\u00a0hot day!<\/p>\n

\"Merry_Edwards_2008_Sauvignon_Blanc\"This year's undisputed winner was the 2008 Merry Edwards “Russian River Valley” Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> which is a knockout.\u00c2\u00a0 I could drink this wine all day long.\u00c2\u00a0 This may be the best Sauvignon Blanc that I have covered in years<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 I was not alone with this thought.\u00c2\u00a0 There were several tasters that agreed!\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium-bodied, very well balanced, and creamy.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavor profile is a delicious complex blend of light lime and mild green melon with a touch of oak and mild grapefruit.\u00c2\u00a0 It is just wonderful.\u00c2\u00a0 It smoked all the other Sauvignon Blancs this year with a 95 point score<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It will cost you a little bit more than you would probably normally pay for a Sauvignon Blanc at $30 <\/strong>per bottle but this is not your typical Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 You have to try some to understand what I mean.<\/p>\n

\"Joseph_Phelps_2008_Sauvignon_Blanc\"Our second place finisher is no slouch either.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> from St. Helena scored 92 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium-bodied, balanced, and slightly viscous with some mild acidity.\u00c2\u00a0 We were enamored by its tasty and complex blend of pear and green apple flavors with a touch of lemon mixed in as well.\u00c2\u00a0 The group thought this Sauvignon Blanc would appear to Chardonnay drinkers.\u00c2\u00a0 It costs $32<\/strong> per bottle, but it is pretty impressive!<\/p>\n

\"Chateau-Ste-Michelle-2009-Horse-Heaven-Sauvignon-Blanc\"The next 4 offerings all scored 90 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The first\u00c2\u00a0two will be easier to find as they are made by “the big boys.”\u00c2\u00a0 While the last two are smaller production offerings,\u00c2\u00a0that are\u00c2\u00a0definitely worth seeking out.\u00c2\u00a0 The first one I want to tell you about is the 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle “Horse Heaven Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $15.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 This wine hails from Washington State and consistently shows well every year.\u00c2\u00a0 I described this year's version as “New Zealand meets Sancerre in Washington.”<\/strong><\/em>\u00c2\u00a0 That is because it shows similar characteristics\u00c2\u00a0to wines from those regions, like the very attractive pink grapefruit bouquet which we usually see from New Zealand, or the mineral-infused lime flavors that we typically see from Sancerre.\u00c2\u00a0 Wrap it all up and we have a very pleasant Sauvignon Blanc offering from Washington.\u00c2\u00a0 Try a bottle soon, and you will likely buy a case\u00c2\u00a0to enjoy\u00c2\u00a0by the pool this summer.<\/p>\n

Next up is the 2008 Kendall Jackson “Grand Reserve” Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $20<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine is the “big brother” of the “Vintner’s Reserve” mentioned below.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays the typical fragrant grapefruit and gooseberry bouquet along with the pleasant grapefruit and lime blend of flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 We really enjoyed how well this wine balanced its acidity and fruit.\u00c2\u00a0 It would be perfect with a lemon drizzled swordfish steak off the grill.<\/p>\n

The next offering is the 2008 St. Supery “Dollarhide Limited Edition” Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $37<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the perfect wine to enjoy when I was at the winery on\u00c2\u00a0a hot Napa afternoon last summer.\u00c2\u00a0 It displayed gentle, yet crisp acidity along with ripe grapefruit flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 There was also a touch of lime mixed into this very refreshing offering.\u00c2\u00a0 I am certain you will enjoy it.<\/p>\n

\"Newport_2008_Sauvignon_Blanc\"The last 90-point <\/strong>Sauvignon Blanc I want to share with you might surprise you,\u00c2\u00a0but if you have been following my recommendations over the years you will know that I am very found of Newport Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong>. Their 2008<\/strong> vintage for $14 <\/strong>is a steal.\u00c2\u00a0 This is a terrific Sauvignon Blanc.\u00c2\u00a0 I think the 2008 might even be their best one yet, but I scored the 2006 90 points as well.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 is light-bodied, balanced, and a little lively with a mix of very tasty off-dry citrus flavors. We detected mild lemon, light apricot, and pear peaking through.\u00c2\u00a0 If you are visiting Newport, Rhode Island<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0this summer, find a bottle of this gem to enjoy\u00c2\u00a0at the beach.<\/p>\n

\"Kendall-Jackson-2008-Vintners-Reserve-Sauvignon-Blanc\"The next group of Sauvignon Blancs all scored 89 points<\/strong> and are Very Good<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Each wine brings out above average characteristics that you expect from this grape.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Kendall Jackson “Vintners Reserve” Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a>\u00c2\u00a0is the “little sister” to the “Grand Reserve” listed above.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Kendall Jackson\u00c2\u00a0makes a lot more of this wine and it is $8 cheaper at $12<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 All you give up is a point so it is definitely worth a try. It displays a slightly viscous and round mouthfeel.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavor profile is a mild lime and tangerine blend with gently infused minerality and a touch of acidity.\u00c2\u00a0 We thought it was very refreshing and would be a perfect summer wine.\u00c2\u00a0 The consensus was that this offering would really appeal to readers who like a little more body and a little less acidity in their Sauvignon Blanc.<\/p>\n

Next up is a long time favorite of Ken’s Wine Guide.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2009 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> from Marlborough, New Zealand<\/strong> is consistently Very Good every year.\u00c2\u00a0 This year’s version costs $19 <\/strong>and opens with a fragrant grapefruit and lime-like bouquet with a hint of wet stone.\u00c2\u00a0 It is also a bit more lively than past vintages with a zesty lime flavor profile with hints of minerality and mild grapefruit.\u00c2\u00a0 It is always a popular choice in the summer.\u00c2\u00a0 Staying in New Zealand<\/strong>, I tried the next wine while I was in China.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Mt Riley Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> for $17 <\/strong>opens with an attractive lime and mild yellow grapefruit bouquet.\u00c2\u00a0 I enjoyed its light body.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavors were a slightly racy lime with a touch of minerality mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 I thought it would be perfect for steamed mussels in a garlic broth.<\/p>\n

\"Hippolyte-Reverdy-2008-Sancerre\"The next\u00c2\u00a0two recommendations\u00c2\u00a0are from Europe.\u00c2\u00a0 We enjoyed the 2008 Hippolyte Reverdy “Sancerre”<\/strong><\/a> at Meritage in the Boston Harbor Hotel<\/a><\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It was light-bodied, balanced, and mouthwatering.\u00c2\u00a0 Its gentle lime flavors with notes of minerality were very refreshing.\u00c2\u00a0 We were also pleasantly surprised by how its aftertaste lingered for quite some time.\u00c2\u00a0 We thought this wine was very food-friendly and\u00c2\u00a0would pair\u00c2\u00a0particularly well with lemon drizzled swordfish steak.\u00c2\u00a0 From there we move south to Alto Adige, Italy<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We tried the 2008 Tramin “Sauvignon”<\/a><\/strong> for $17.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 Like the Hippolyte it is a very nice food wine, light-bodied and zesty.\u00c2\u00a0 We enjoyed its mineral infused tart lime flavors with a touch of pear.\u00c2\u00a0 It would\u00c2\u00a0pair quite well with a herb-roasted chicken.<\/p>\n

\"Yorkville-Cellars-2008-Sauvignon-Blanc\"The last three 89 pointers<\/strong> come from 3 very different California regions.\u00c2\u00a0 The first offering is a certified Organic <\/strong>Sauvignon Blanc from Yorktown Cellars <\/strong>up in the Yorkville Highlands.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 “Randle Hill” Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> only costs $14.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 I served it at a “Green Party<\/font><\/strong>” on St. Patrick’s Day.\u00c2\u00a0 It was a big hit.\u00c2\u00a0 The crowd enjoyed its light body and equal balance between its acidity and fruit.\u00c2\u00a0 Everyone liked its Anjou pear and lime flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine had the most empty bottles when that event was over.\u00c2\u00a0 Heading further south, we\u00c2\u00a0tasted the 2008 Peju Sauvignon Blanc<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>from the Napa Valley.\u00c2\u00a0 It was light-bodied, slightly acidic, zesty and crisp with mineral-infused lime flavors. It was nicely refreshing and food-friendly.\u00c2\u00a0 We thought it would pair well with grilled swordfish drizzled with a lemon butter sauce.\u00c2\u00a0 The last highlighted offering comes from the Santa Ynez Valley in California.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2009 Beckmen “Estate” Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> for $16 <\/strong>was medium-bodied, very nicely balanced, and easy to drink.\u00c2\u00a0 Its tasty mild green pear flavors with notes of minerality were very enjoyable.\u00c2\u00a0 Our mini group thought it would pair well with chicken and wild mushroom ravioli smothered in a brown butter sauce.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Line 39 2009 Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> (Lake County) $10<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)\u00c2\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Ferrari Carano 2009\u00c2\u00a0“Fume Blanc”<\/a><\/strong>(Sonoma County, CA) $15<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  3. St. Supery 2009 Sauvignon Blanc “Napa”<\/a><\/strong> (CA) $20<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  4. Fritz 2009 Sauvignon Blanc “Russian River Valley”<\/strong><\/a> (CA) $16<\/strong> (88<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  5. Duckhorn 2009 Sauvignon Blanc “Decoy”<\/a><\/strong>(Napa, CA) $18<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  6. Buitenverwachting 2008 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> (Constantia, S. Africa) $15<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  7. Mulderbosch 2009 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> (Western Cape, South Africa) $21<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  8. Dry Creek Vineyard 2008\u00c2\u00a0“Fume Blanc”<\/a><\/strong> (Dry Creek Valley, CA) $12<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  9. Dry Creek 2008 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> (Dry Creek Valley, CA) $16<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n
  10. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><\/strong> (Columbia Valley, WA) $10<\/strong> (87<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    We hope you enjoy your summer and\u00c2\u00a0have the opportunity\u00c2\u00a0to try some of these Very Good Sauvignon Blancs<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Happy tasting!<\/p>\n

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

    The Sauvignon Blanc wine samples\u00c2\u00a0we received\u00c2\u00a0this year included two which\u00c2\u00a0were exceptional.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Both\u00c2\u00a0are at a higher price\u00c2\u00a0point,\u00c2\u00a0but are definitely worth the investment.\u00c2\u00a0 These wines were followed by\u00c2\u00a0four wines that scored 90 points.\u00c2\u00a0 These are terrific options and they\u00c2\u00a0are very good values, given their quality and price points.\u00c2\u00a0 Just behind those four wines were a group of Sauvignon […]<\/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":[11,125,9,8,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-kens-wine-guide-tasting-panel","category-merry-edwards","category-sauvignon-blanc","category-wine-recommendations","category-wine-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67","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=67"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=67"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=67"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}