A dozen Sauvignon Blancs to try

By Darryl Beeson

Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc, Sonoma 2005 
Price $13                    
Rating 90                                
Rich lavors of ripe melon are laced within oak. Recently promoted winemaker Margo van Staaveren has played a pivotal role in every facet of the winemaking process at Chateau St. Jean since 1979. She draws upon  this experience to insure that her wines meet high standards of quality. Go to www.chateaustjean.com.

Francesca Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2005
Price $9.99                 
Rating 87                     
Fresh gooseberry and canned pear on the nose are followed by flavors of crisp Granny Smith apple with exotic tropical fruit notes. This Marlborough Sauvignon as ideal partner to seafood dishes, especially shellfish or maybe jumbo shrimp in olive oil and garlic.

Gann Family Sauvignon Blanc "Spring Hill Vineyard" Alexander Valley 2005
Price $15        
Rating 94                                
Sourced from a special hillside parcel of old vines, with a combination of clays, gravel, and sandy loam, imparting a subtle mineral nuance. Vibrant citrus of grapefruit, green apple, pear and apricot flavors combine with the mineral nuance. The slightest hint of oak adds the final layer, with a clean and lasting finish. Limited distribution. Best of Class & Gold Medal 2005 - Los Angeles County Fair.

Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc, California 2005
Price $11.99               
Rating 91
Subtle apple and peach are in the nose of this white. Ripe melon and crisp green apple follow in a long, complex finish. Geyser Peak wine wiz Mick Schroeter is very talented. More is at www.geyserpeakwinery.com.

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, California 2005
Price $11                    
Rating 91                                
Citrus and ripe melon lead the way, laced with flavors of tropical fruit and pear nectar. There is a slight hint of new oak. The blend includes 9% Semillon and 2% Chardonnay. More details are at www.kj.com.

Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 2005
Price $14                    
Rating 93                                
The nose offers lemon zest, dried herbs and aromas of ripe melon. The sip sings with ripe melon and hints of lemon and mineral. The length is complex and very long.

Kumala Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa 2005
Price $8.99                 
Rating 89                     
The nose is bright with hints of citrus and grapefruit. The sip is pleasing with ripe fruit and a balanced acidity. New Zealand, watch out for the Sauvignon Blancs from South Africa.

Meridian Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast 2005
Price $10                    
Rating 87
The color is bright with straw. Soft flavors of very ripe melon lead the way. This is an easy sipping apertif. There are aromas of grapefruit, ripe green melon, crisp citrus and a tinge of tart apple. Go to www.meridianvineyards.com.

Pascal Jolivet "La Grande Cuvee" Pouilly Fume, Loire 2004
Price $35                    
Rating 95
There are notes of limestone or flint in the nose. The interesting sip shows grapefruit, deep mineral, more citrus, then melon in the long complex length. There are notes of grassiness and lemon peel within. The house of Pascal Jolivet is one of the youngest and most dynamic in the Loire Valley, founded in 1987. The importer is Frederick Wildman and Sons, at www.frederickwildman.com.

Pascal Jolivet "La Grande Cuvee" Sancerre, Loire 2004
Price $35                    
Rating 90
The sip is driven by lemon and mineral. Notes of lemon curd, melon and grass are in the good finish. Pascal Jolivet believes strongly in letting nature make the wines as much as possible, and seeks to tame the more aggressive qualities of the Sauvignon Blanc variety.

Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2005
Price $15                    
Rating 92                                
There are aromas of grapefruit, ripe melon, fig and pear nectar in the long, crisp length. The winery suggests pairing this white with citrus-marinated shrimp, chicken salad, or grilled trout. Learn more at  www.diageowines.com.

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2004
Price $17                    
Rating 92
The nose is classic to New Zealand with bright grapefruit and red bell pepper. The sip is bright with more citrus and gooseberry/poblano pepper. Learn more about winemaker Brent Marris and his winery at www.witherhills.com.

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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine finds. Says writer Roy Blount, Jr., “Wine is tough, but I know Darryl can do it.”

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