RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS
The Beverage Dynamics National
Retailer Wine Panel
recommends a lineup of top quality/value
sauvignon blancs.
For those who haven't been paying attention, New Zealand has emerged as a location where excellent sauvignon blancs are being produced. Wines from California and France, though, still comprise the lion's share of recommendations here, with several wines from other regions (Australia, South Africa and Chile). As always, these selections all include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's suggested retail price (which, as always, varies from market to market).
-- Richard Brandes
SAUVIGNON BLANC
FIVE STARS
***** (96) Cakebread 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (California). An appealing grapefruit and lemon taste with a hint of spice; very fresh and elegant with a crisp finish. ($35)
***** (96) Joseph Phelps 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (California). A full-bodied, balanced wine with fruity and slightly grassy aromas; flavors of melon, fig and tropical fruit with a hint of oak; a nice, clean finish. ($20)
***** (95) Cloudy Bay 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Tremendous fusion of tropical fruit, herbs and citrus; finishes with a hint of jalapeño; a showstopper. ($26)
***** (95) Selene 2000 Hyde Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (California). Made from sauvignon musque, this is a ripe, slightly heavier style of sauvignon blanc with flavors of melon and pear, not the typical grass-vegetal qualities; matches well with fish and lighter meats. ($25)
***** (94) Salmon 2002 Sancerre Vielles Vignes (France). Wonderfully bright aromas and flavors of lemon, lime and fresh melon abound in this handcrafted beauty from this family-owned winery's oldest vines (vielles vignes); hints of mineral, wet stone and a just a touch of grassiness race across the palate and linger for a long time. ($20)
***** (94) Blockhedia 2001 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). A citrus and melon nose, with flavors of citrus, herbs, grapefruit and honey that continue to evolve in the glass; good acidity; pairs well with seafood, shellfish and lighter dishes. ($19)
***** (93) Geyser Peak 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Simply a superb effort; rich grassy aromas and flavors with accents of ripe melons and olives; a great choice with a linguine in an herb- accented white clam sauce. (Best served: 2003-2005). ($16)
***** (93) Edgewood 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Intense bouquet of floral and citrus aromas with a wisp of smoke; showing the trademark flint of a top-flight sauvignon blanc, this beauty reveals layers of bright lemon, vanilla and cream; the intensity of the fruit is balanced deftly by a delightfully crisp finish; great pairing with smoked salmon or grilled swordfish. ($20)
***** (93) Groom 2002 Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc (Australia). A great sauvignon blanc nose followed by wonderful, lush sauvignon blanc flavors; a top wine. ($17)
***** (93) Konrad & Co. 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Fresh and vibrant with ripe gooseberry, kiwi, grapefruit and melon flavors. ($17)
***** (93) Hanna 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (California). A wonderfully aromatic bouquet, not overly herbaceous, with a great melon/grapefruit fruit components, pinpoint acidity and a finish that is clean and refreshing. ($16)
***** (93) Groth 2002 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). On the nose, aromas of melons and figs with notes of sweet oak and a hint of hay; crisp acidity throughout and into a longish finish with grapefruit and melon flavors and a hint vanilla toward the close; enough body to handle Thai or Indian dishes or similar spicy preparations. ($15)
***** (92) Sterling 2001 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc (California). Bright pale-straw in color; fresh and floral with aromas of nectarines, melons and grapefruit with hints of lemongrass, mint, lemon drops and minerals; on the palate, the wine is pleasingly full with ripe fruit and subtle flinty acidity. ($15)
***** (92) 2001 Henry Bourgeois La Porte de L'Abbaye Pouilly Fumé (France). Crisp and smoky up front; ripe apple and a touch of citrus; creamy and smooth on the finish; well balanced and very well made. ($14)
FOUR STARS
**** (91) Rodney Strong 2002 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc (California). Excellent aromas and flavors of ripe citrus and aromatic grassiness; on the palate, this wine is very satisfying and balanced, and would do well paired with a Provençal-style baked chicken. (Best served 2003-2005). ($12)
**** (91) Joel Gott 2002 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Pleasant unoaked fruit bomb; loaded with apple, pear and gooseberry; good touch of acidity on the finish. ($16)
**** (91) Château Bonnet Blanc, Entre Deux Mers 2002 (France). Inviting fragrances of lime, slate and mineral are followed by similar flavors that intensify and get increasingly complex on the palate; perfect for shellfish, or broiled flounder with lemon buerre blanc; a great find. ($14)
**** (91) BV 2001 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Pale green-gold; bright citrus-melon aromas, with hints of chalk and light honey; medium-bodied with a flavor of fresh herbs, lemon-lime and green apple; creamy mid-palate texture framed by zesty acidity; subtle minerality on the finish. ($16)
**** (91) 2001 Domaine Jacques Rouze Quincy Vigne d'Antan (France). From a forgotten area of the Loire, this Quincy is from a great winemaker from vines planted in the 1920s and 1940s; nice alternative to Sancerre. ($13)
**** (91) Sawyer Cellars 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (California). An interesting wine, with a granny apple, peach nose; good acidity with citrus and melon flavors; good balance and complexity. ($20)
**** (90) Frog's Leap 2001 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Classic sauvignon blanc from a cult classic winery; loaded with citrus, well balanced and clean. ($20)
**** (90) 2001 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre (Loire, France). A beautiful expression of Sancerre; clean with mineral and roundness in the mouth; pear and floral nose; the acidity heightens the grasses and peachy fruit; minerals and touches of black pepper make a match for light meats and buttery fish. ($16)
**** (90) Honig 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Rich and concentrated with fig, melon and fresh grassy notes; pretty grapefruit, orange zest and lemon present in the finish. ($15)
**** (90) Château Coucheroy 2000, Pessac-Léognan, Graves (Bordeaux, France). Aromas of pears and granny apples with notes of minerals, smoke and lemongrass; fairly fat on the palate with flavors of lemon custard and nuances of smoky wood; moderately balanced, and showing a mineral note at the close; try with shellfish, pork or grilled chicken. ($12)
**** (90) Concha y Toro 2002 Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc (Chile). This upper tier from Concha y Toro will give any of the Loire's finest a run for their money; hints of grapefruits and melons in the nose with an underlying flinty character, a la Pouilly Fumé; great depth and richness and a long crisp finish. ($20)
**** (90) Chateau Potelle 2000 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Distinctive creamy style; typical varietal fruit flavors but with the right amount of oak and fruit flavors to give the wine a rich mouth feel; some semillon adds complexity. ($15)
**** (90) Mason Cellars 2001 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley (California). Barrel fermentation gives this wine more than just the citrus and melons; it integrates the vanilla and toastiness allowing it to develop into a rich, full wine with lots of character and zest. ($17)
**** (90) Château Guiraud 2000 White Bordeaux (France). Hints of green apples and peaches; dry but balanced with a solid finish; a wonderful example of French sauvignon blanc. ($15)
**** (90) Omaka Springs 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand). Very pale yellow in color; a light bouquet of mild apple and citrus aromas; on the palate it is full-bodied and ripe, with rich texture and surprising complexity given the color and nose; delicious flavors of citrus, apple, melon and tangerine, with hints of vanilla; balanced by good acidity; the finish is long and luscious. ($16)
**** (90) Dashwood 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Fresh flavors of apple, citrus and passion fruit with a grassy core; a classic New Zealand- style sauvignon blanc. ($16)
**** (90) Jackson Estate 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Bright and inviting with good acidity; lots of fresh grapefruit flavors with minimal herbaceous qualities; features an easy-open screw cap. ($16)
**** (90) Goldwater 2002 Dog Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Classic sauvignon blanc with refreshing qualities; light citrus; subtle grapefruit finish. ($19)
**** (89) Arbor Crest 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (Washington State). Ripe, rich and soft with mouth-filling flavors of mango and peach balanced nicely with lively lemon flavors; clean and lengthy finish. ($9)
**** (89) Chateau Souverain 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Crisp with bright grapefruit and peach flavors; notes of lime and subtle mint appear in the intense finish; food-friendly wine. ($12)
**** (89) Dry Creek Vineyard 2002 Fume Blanc (California). Well defined and pert, this grassy/citrusy wine features well-balanced structure and pure fruit flavors; an excellent match with oysters on the half shell. (Best served 2003-2005). ($13)
**** (89) Clos Du Bois 2001 Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc (California). A blend of sauvignon blanc (90%) and semillon (10%), this wine boasts aromas of fresh cut grass, lime, ginger, coriander and lemongrass, with hints of citrus blossom and toasty oak; a crisp mouthfeel; clean with flavors of melon, citrus and vanilla; a refreshing mid-palate; a toasty oak finish. ($12)
**** (89) Carmenet 2001 Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc (California). Very herbal nose with hints of grapefruit; light color; a dry, crisp, clean flavor with good fruit and some oak; well balanced with a long finish. ($12)
**** (89) Michel Lynch 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (France). Inviting aromas of fresh, ripe grapefruit and lemon are followed by crisp citrus flavors, blended together with a surprisingly complex array of lime, mineral and pleasant hint of grassiness on the finish; a wonderful value and aperitif for a warm afternoon. ($10)
**** (89) 2001 Mulderbosch Origin Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa). A fantastic entry into South African wine; beautiful grapefruit and grass flavors with light oak aging. ($22)
**** (89) Château de Sancerre 2002 (Loire, France). A smoky nose; a flinty/mineral flavor combined with lemon; bright and alive; great with oysters.($20)
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**** (89) Raymond
2001 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (California). An excellent effort
that is soft and nicely textured; multi- layered with lots of pleasing
elements; on one hand, this is a very fruit-forward effort, but looking
beneath the surface reveals added depth and varietal nuances; enjoy
with a Cobb salad with a mild, creamy dressing. (Best served 2003-2004).
($12 ) 
**** (89) 2002 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (New Zealand). Bright and citrusy with tangy grapefruit flavors, followed by a crisp and lively finish. ($12)
**** (88) Kanu 2002 Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa). Deep straw color with assertive aromas of melons, nuts and herbs; with loads of fruit, the green celery notes and hints of chalk and mineral underscore the wine with zesty structure and a long finish accented by green herbs. ($11)
**** (88) St. Supery 2001 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Inviting nose of grapefruit and melon; nice layers of fig, grass and lemon on the palate; medium weight; a solid wine. ($17)
**** (88) Craggy Range 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon (New Zealand). Light straw in color, but a complex nose of herbs, chalk, radish and melons; firm and lively grapefruit in the mouth with celery and good minerality beneath; good acid, and plenty of greens in the dry melon finish. ($20)
**** (88) Robert Mondavi 2000 Stags Leap District Sauvignon Blanc (California). Faint aromas of pine needles; multi-layered and complex, it's a perfect partner for Asian cuisine. ($18)
**** (88) 2001 Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fumé (Loire, France). Pale straw in color; aromas of herbs and citrus with mineral flavors; fumé refers to the hint of "smoke" or "gunflint" some find in the wine. ($20)
**** (88) Château D'Arricaud (Graves) 2000 (France). Well balanced and fruity with a crisp, clean middle and steady finish; lots of melon and peach notes in the back-end; a little semillon added for fruit concentration. ($11)
**** (88) Chateau Souverain 2000 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). Sur lie aging in French oak marries the wood with citrus and melon flavors; delightful and firm with a creamy texture and lingering finish.($13)
**** (88) Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Sonoma County (California). Pale yellow/gold, with a ripe, fruity bouquet of apples and pears; on the palate it is rich and slightly sweet, with some buttery nuances to the apple, pear and light citrus flavors; the finish is mild and of medium length. ($15)
**** (88) Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Curico Valley, Fume Blanc (Chile). Pale gold, with plenty of pear and apple aromas in the bouquet; a slightly sweet entry, but a quick jolt of acidity breaks in to open up the palate with lively pear flavors; crisp and tasty, this is Montes' best sauvignon blanc to date. ($10)
**** (88) Trinchero 2001 Family Selection Sauvignon Blanc (California). Fresh fruit-forward style; medium-bodied with a long, crisp finish. ($12)
**** (88) Firestone 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Fresh and vibrant with copious amounts of juicy fruit upfront and firm acidity; surprising depth and complexity and a finish that makes you want to go on a picnic; a wonderful value. ($8)
**** (88) Casa Julia 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile). Light and easy with mellow apple fruit flavor and aroma; stainless steel fermentation; a good porch sipping wine. ($7)
**** (87) Tohu 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Ripe and juicy with flavors of grass, passion fruit, plums and peaches; a lively herbaceous wine. ($17)
**** (87) Santa Ema Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Maipo Valley (Chile). Pale yellow in color, with delicate citrus and melon fragrances that show floral tones; fruity, with citric notes on the palate; a balanced wine, fresh and bright. ($7.50)
**** (87) BV 2001 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc (California). Fresh, intense citrus, jalapeño and kiwi aromas; medium-bodied, this wine leaps out of the glass with bold spicy-herbal, peppery flavors framed by crisp acidity; bright and zesty. ($10)
**** (87) Giesen 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Fresh, clean and melony, this wine utilizes that unique talent New Zealand winemakers have of combining vivid acids and rich, ripe fruit in one package; a good value. ($11)
**** (87) Fox Creek 2002 Sauvignon Blanc (South Australia). Lively and lemony, this wine is a delicious summer quaff. ($12)
**** (87) Terrace Road 2001 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Heavy tropical aromas; plenty of fresh acidity and ripe flavors. ($14)
**** (86) Delaire 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa). Lots of body and a mango-lemon flavor; good acidity. ($15)
**** (86) Lurton 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (France). A great summer wine; delicious fruit with lime, grapefruit and good acidity. ($10)
**** (86) Langlois Château 2000 Pouilly-Fumé (Loire Valley, France). Wonderful lemongrass aroma; rich, full-flavored, crisp and clean with a lemon finish. ($15)
**** (86) Porcupine Ridge 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa). Citrus flavors; light- to medium-bodied; tangy pineapple taste. ($10)
THREE STARS
*** (85) Roshambo 2001 Frank Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (California). This is a true sauvignon blanc; bright pear fruit with spiced pears and fresh cut apples; long-lasting acidity; soft honey lavender; balanced with finishing herbs. ($18)
*** (85) Wente 2000 Livermore Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). A hint of citrus and melon, with a nice balance between spice and honey that allows the finish to be crisp and smooth. ($9)
*** (85) St. Clair 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Lime-green notes in straw; asparagus and stewed greens, radish, and dried melons; a good fleshy palate with strong herbal notes of tarragon and bell peppers; good acid and a nice ripe center with cantaloupe and herbs in the finish. ($13)
*** (85) Villa Maria 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Wonderful tropical fruits in the nose and good acidity in the mouth; balanced and very refreshing. ($14)
*** (85) Jardin Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (Stellenbosch, South Africa). Notes of chalk and mineral in a clean pear, lemon and fig aroma; balanced high acidity leaves a refreshing mouth feel with notes of a slight herbaceous character intertwined in the tropical citrus flavor; moderate length on the close. ($13)
*** (85) Brampton 2002 Coastal Region Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa). Straw colors and a fresh notes of melons, minerals, and garden greens; nice flesh of ripe cantaloupe, hints of herbs, minerals, and good acid to balance. ($9)
*** (85) 2001 Frescobaldi Conti Attems, Collio DOC (Italy). New winery from Frescobaldi of Tuscan fame; this is an impressive second vintage with characteristic gooseberry and citrus. ($18)
*** (84) Taft Street 2001 Monterey Sauvignon Blanc (California). Dry with nuances of apricots and pear; well balanced with a soft lingering finish; good value for the money. ($11)
*** (84) Palacio de Bornos 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Rueda, Spain). Aromas of pink grapefruit and newly mowed grass with nuances of passion fruit and lime; clean and refreshing on the palate with grapefruit and citrus flavors through a moderately long finish; good summer value; try with slightly spicy but not peppery fish and poultry dishes. ($10)
*** (84) Guenoc 2000 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc (California). Citrus and honey flavors come to the forefront of this crisp wine; lively and fruit forward with just enough spice and herbs to allow it work well with seafood dishes. ($12)
Rating System***** Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. **** Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. *** Three Stars (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. ** Two Stars (70-79) An average wine. * One Star (50-69) A below-average wine. |
NATIONAL RETAILER WINE PANEL
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ABC
Fine Wines & Spirits Orlando,
FL Brad
Lewis, Director
of Wine Sales Aix New
York, NY Keith
Treyball Manager Berbiglia
Wine & Spirits Kansas
City, MO Ralph
J. Bondon Vice
President/Owner Bern's
Steak House Tampa,
FL Ken
Collura Head
Sommelier Beverages & more! Concord,
CA Wilfred
Wong E-Commerce
Cellar Master Bottle
King Liquors Livingston,
NJ Larry
LaScola Managing
Partner/ Brown
Derby Stores Springfield,
MO Gary
Franklin Sales
Manager Centennial Dallas/Ft.
Worth, TX James
Moll Fine
Wine Buyer The
Cheesecake Factory Calbasas
Hills, CA Howard
R. Gordon Senior
Vice President Crown
Wine Merchant Coral
Gables, FL Chip
Cassidy Wine
Director Dallas
Central Market Dallas,
TX George
Howald Wine
Dept. Manager Frugal
MacDoogal's Nashville,
TN Jack
Mantle Wine
Manager John
Foy Wine & Food
Consultant Hoboken,
NJ Gary's
Wine Marketplace Madison/ Walter
Kotrba Wine
Buyer Happy
Harry's Bottle
Shop Grand
Forks, ND Todd
Jacobson General
Manager Haskell's Minnetonka,
MN Daniel
A. Manning Vice
President Huntington Wine & Spirits Italian
Village Chicago,
IL Ron
Balter Wine
Director Legal
Seafoods Boston,
MA David
Alphonse Beverage
Director Liquor
Barn Louisville,
KY Michael
Sorg Wine
Manager The
Liquor Store Jackson
Hole, WY William
O'Brien Manager/Buyer Liquorama
Wine Cellar Hyde
Park, NY Maggie
Gephard Vice
President/General Manager
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Melting
Pot Restaurants Tampa,
FL Mike
Maglin VP
Operations Mod Chicago,
IL Randall
Lee Managing
partner Morton's
of Chicago, Inc. West
Palm Beach, FL Tylor
Field III Corporate
Beverage Director Pappas
Restaurants, Inc. Houston,
TX David
R. Smith Beverage
Director Prime
Wines & Spirits Kenmore,
NY Rick
McLeod Wine
Manager Premium
Wine Williamsville,
NY Dave
Cleveland General
Manager Prestige
Wine Orchard
Park, NY Jeff
Vignaux General
Manager Raley's Sacramento,
CA Bob
Jenning Sr.
Category Manager Rare
Hospitality, Inc. Atlanta,
GA Doug
Jackson Director
of Beverage Services Red
Sage Washington
D.C. Ralph
Rosenberg General
Manager Sal's
Beverage World Elmhurst,
IL Jeff
Sukowski Manager/ Red,
White & Brew Florence,
NJ Stacey
Blacker Buyer/ Sam's
Wine & Spirits Chicago,
IL Jim
Hightower Domestic
Wine Buyer Stew
Leonard's Wines Farmingdale,
NY Jerry
Martellero Manager/ Sherlock's Marietta,
GA W.
Edwin True Wine
Consultant Terra
Nova Wine Madison,
MS Phil
Perry Manager/ Total
Wine & More Claymont,
DE Michael
Mulderig Corporate
Wine Director Tru Chicago,
IL Scott
Tyree Sommelier Trump
Taj Mahal Atlantic
City, NJ Richard
R. Schneider Director
of Food and Beverage Washington
State Steve
Burnell Wine
Program Manager The
Wine List Hyannis,
MA Jackie
Kantrowitz General
Manager/ |
