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Last Updated: 09/14/08
Viewed: 1736 times
Last Updated: 09/14/08
Viewed: 1736 times
A Few Top California Sauvignon Blancs
A wine list by Josh Raynolds, Wine Writer, IWC
Many wine-lovers are put off by the sometimes extremely herbaceous, grassy character of most sauvignon blanc, but there's hope. The best California bottlings of this variety, whose origins are in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, are richer and less "green" than those from most other regions. They are fleshier than examples the Loire Valley, South Africa or New Zealand, but they are still fresh and exhibit vivid citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes. The wines that have been raised in small oak barrels are even richer, often displaying qualities usually associated with chardonnay.
Priced From: $99.99
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2005 Peter Michael Winery Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi Sonoma County
91 points. Green-gold. Citrus pith, pear, white flowers and a hint of smoked meat on the nose, with a light touch of gunflint. Fresh and tightly wound, with racy citrus and pit fruit flavors lifted by a strong peppery not... more
2006 Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
90 points. Green-gold. Racy, sharply focused aromas of lime, orange zest and talc, with a zesty, peppery accent. Medium-bodied and chewy, with concentrated orange and Meyer lemon flavors and a lush, round quality on the l... more
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2006 Fiddlehead Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Goosebury Santa Ynez Valley
90 points. Bright straw. Energetic lime and quince aromas are brightened by jasmine and dusty minerals. Clean and refreshing, offering spicy orchard fruit flavors and a brisk citrus zest quality. Kathy Joseph's objective is
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2006 Margerum Wine Company Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley
90 points. Pale straw. Impressively complex bouquet offers resiny matsutake mushroom, lime and peach pit scents, with talc-y mineral qualities and a sharp blast of white pepper. Citrus and pit fruit flavors are complicated by musky earth and toasted grain; the finish is ... more
Priced From: $23.49
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2006 Saracina Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County
90 points. Light yellow. Intensely floral, spicy bouquet of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, smoky lees and white flowers. Juicy, sharply focused citrus and pear on the palate, with a bracing jolt of tangy minerality adding energy. Impressively focused, lively sauvignon with exc... more
Priced From: $24.65
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2005 Fiddlehead Cellars Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Sweetie Santa Ynez Valley (half bottle)
91 points. Greenish straw. Exotic lichee and melon aromas are perked up by suave floral and mineral qualities. Clean orchard fruit and melon flavors display impressive clarity and energy, with no excess fat. Really clings... more
2006 Jonata La Flor de Jonata Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley
90 points. Light gold. Pungent, honeyed pear and nectarine aromas are brightened by lime zest and fresh herbs. Fresh melon and orchard fruit flavors offer good depth and cut, but no edginess. Finishes round, with ripe mel... more
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2006 Hug Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Cedar Lane Vineyard Arroyo Seco
90 points. Pale yellow. Grapefruit pith, green apple and quinine aromas offer impressive cut and precision. Racy, tightly wound citrus fruit and pith flavors deliver a razor-sharp impression and linger impressively on the spicy finish. Those not initiated in strongly var... more
Priced From: $19.00
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2006 The Brander Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 30th Anniversary Cuvee Santa Ynez Valley
90 points. Light, bright yellow. Pungent aromas of citrus peel, dried peach and mirabelle are complicated by anise, white flowers and dusty minerals. Broad, palate-coating pit fruit flavors are energized by lively mineral... more
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2003 Fiddlehead Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Hunnysuckle Santa Ynez
90 points. ($34; raised in all-new French barriques Light gold. Ripe peach and vanilla on the nose, with exotic lemon thyme and magnolia adding complexity. Tangy citrus flavors are surprisingly round, picking up riper pe... more
Priced From: $24.99
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2007 Breggo Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley
90 points. Green-tinged yellow. Lively lime, orange and pear aromas are complemented by floral honey and anise; no grassy or herbal qualities here. Juicy and fresh, with energetic citrus flavors giving way to riper orchar... more
2007 Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
90 points. Green-tinged yellow. Dusty lemon and lime scents are complicated by wet stone, white flowers and orange blossom; no herbs here. Deeply concentrated but shockingly elegant, with precise citrus and green apple fl... more
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2006 Joseph Swan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Coffey Lane Vineyard Cuvee Joanie Russian River Valley
90 points. Bright gold. Deep, smoky aromas of tangerine, poached pear and dried flowers. Full-bodied orchard fruit flavors are gently lifted by spicy citrus and tangy mineral qualities, gaining depth and weight on the close. Serious stuff, and in need of rich food. Owner... more
Average cost for wines on this list: $39.76