This time of year I crave Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc in its many aspects delights and refreshes. My first choice for tempering the heat of summer is a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. A versatile wine, Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed with company on the patio, or at table with seafood, poultry and even grilled lamb. I recently participated in a tasting of four Sauvignon Blancs provided by my friends at Pasternak Wine Imports. They delighted. It is truly Sauvignon Blanc season.
Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2013 New Zealand
When I think Sauvignon Blanc, I immediately think New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I also think Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc - Dashwood is one of the wines responsible for my New Zealand wine epiphany two years ago.
Color: Pale straw with green highlights.
Nose: Heady, mineral, grapefruit, grass, lime.
Palate: Zing, fresh, vibrant, grapefruit, lime, kiwi. I'm alive! With long mineral, dry, kiwi and lime finish. KerPow!
This wine held up beautifully over three days. Recommended.
ABV: 13%
Closure: Screw cap
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Chile
My first exposure to Los Vascos wines was two years ago when I enjoyed their 2009 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then I have had the pleasure of sampling more wines from their portfolio. The Viña Los Vascos Estate in Chile is producing decidedly tasty wines. The Los Vascos 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is flexible too - I have even paired this wine with Rack of Lamb.
Color: Light yellow-green
Nose: Mineral, slate, honey, toast, honeydew melon.
Palate: Fresh, melon, lemon, fluid, focused to front, easy drinking. Mineral, citrus with crisp acidity at edges on medium finish. Quaffable, think party and aperitif.
This wine held up beautifully over three days. Recommended.
ABV: 13%
Closure: Screw cap
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
"In its homeland of the Loire Valley, France, Sauvignon Blanc showcases its aromatic character and refreshing acidity at its best in the form of pure, zesty wines." The Wine Society
La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc 2013 France, Loire Valley
Saget La Perrière, is a 9th Generation Family owned and managed Loire Valley winery . They are continuously exploring the best expression of Sauvignon Blanc both Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.
Color: Shiny gold, tinged with silver
Nose: Essence of pear, river rock, hint of nuttiness.
Palate: Pear, slate, kiwi, with pear juice and friendly acidity on plush, mouth filling finish. Excellent with chicken on a stick.
Lovely wine, improved over four days. Highly recommended.
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
Domaine de la Perriere Sancere 2013 France, Loire Valley
The caves at La Perrière, naturally carved 200 million years ago, are the ideal location to age the wines from 106 acres of the estate’s Sancerre vineyards, located in the districts of Bannay, Verdigny, Saint-Satur, Crézancy and Vinon.
Color: Pale straw, gold highlights
Nose: Mineral nuttiness, fresh with gentle melon, lime, river rock, smell of summer rain shower. Big like.
Palate: Fluid, creamy, soft in the mouth but yielded shiny acidity on the finish. Lemon-cream, lime sorbet, long, dry, crisp finish. What a way to end a day with friends.
This wine pleased over four days. Should we be surprised that this Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite of this tasting? Taste wine from the source, the home of Sauvignon Blanc. Highly recommended.
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
Summary
Each Sauvignon Blanc was distinct, each was enjoyable and refreshing. The new world wines of Los Vascos was "drink me" and the Dashwood was all in your face zesty kerpow! The French wines reflected the origins of Sauvignon Blanc. The two wines of the Loire Valley impressed. La Petite Perriere was elegant and modest, the Sancere was minerally, with lime-sorbet, not sweet with a creamy finish. These were beautiful expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. I enjoyed these four wines over four days. They held up well in the refrigerator and even improved. I strongly encourage you seek out these wines and enjoy them at your home. It is Sauvignon Blanc season.
Cheers!