Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2003

Price $24

Rating 91

This white is both elegant and full bodied. There are hints of fig, vibrant grapefruit, cooked apple, herbs, and melon. A portion of the wine was barrel fermented in French oak. The addition of 24% Sémillon grapes into the blend also contributes to the bigness of the wine. Learn more at www.duckhorn.com.

Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2004

Price $13.99

Rating 90

The warmer Napa Valley microclimates
give the grapes potential for a lush, melon/citrus character in the aroma and in the flavor. The cooler Napa Valley fruit provides a solid, crisp backbone that gives this wine an exciting liveliness that balances the rich creaminess from "sur lie" aging, in contact with the yeast for an extended period. The rest of the story is at www.grothwines.com.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2004

Price $16

Rating 92

The aromas lilt with nuances of fresh, ripe peach, along with bright lemon zest, and luscious fig. The sip is pure, ripe honey dew melon with crisp grapefruit and ripened pear.

This pristine white sees no oak and is crafted in stainless steel tanks.
Wine maker Corey Beck accomplishes a slow, cold fermentation to retain the grape’s characteristics. Then again, check out their website at www.diamondcollection.com.

Forest Ville Sauvignon Blanc, California 2004

Price $5.99

Rating 88

The nose is fresh with ripeness. The sip shows fruit, well-ripened and ready to enjoy. There is ripe honeydew melon, crisp citrus and exotic lemongrass.
There is a hint of herbaceousness in the medium length. All wines should be such a value!

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2004

Price $13

Rating 91
"A very full bodied wine that contains an abundance of fruit flavors and a spanking acidity. Pineapple, passionfruit and melon like flavors are all present, in addition to a hint of Marlborough herbaceousness. A very lively and approachable wine," says Scott.

Try this wine with lobster or most any seafood in a grapefruit or lime butter. Visit www.allanscott.com for additional info.

Matua Valley Pinot Gris, Marlborough 2004

Price $12

Rating 91

Clean, refreshing elements of grapefruit and mineral, the length on the
palate is long and rewarding. “There are hints of delicate pear and spice
aromas,” says winemaker Joanne (“Jo”) Gear. She suggests pairing this crisp,
clean wine with spicy chicken cakes with a tropical fruit.

Co-owner Bill Spence is celebrating a thirty-year milestone as the first
producer of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc “Paretai” Marlborough 2004

Price $17

Rating 94

The classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with so-called gooseberry and
grapefruit, there is good, complex minerality, bracing, interesting ending a
long length with nuances of capers. Spence suggests pairing this delicate,
complex white wine with Pacific oyster soup, or with any seafood.

Matua Valley Winery is set in the delightful rolling hill country not far
from Kumeu, near Auckland on the North Island. Learn more at
www.matua.co.nz.

Matua Valley Chardonnay, Gisborne 2003

Price $12

Rating 89

This white wine, though very pleasing, is softer in the expected acidity, or
crispness. There are tropical fruit aromas and the sip follows through with
delicate tropical fruits.

King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris, Oregon 2002

Price $23.99

Rating 96

This brilliant white explodes with tropical fruit aromas along with flavors.
Visualize mango, papaya with apricot, hints of honey and zesty brown spice
nuances.

Besides the predictable salmon, the winery suggests other seafoods including
“bourride” (a Mediterranean fish stew with aioli), apple-smoked trout and
grilled spot prawns with rosemary-garlic infused oil. Learn more at
www.kingestate.com. This white wine qualifies as organic.

King Estate Pinot Gris, Oregon 2003

Price $15

Rating 90

Crisp grapefruit and lime lead the way, followed by ripe flavors of melon,
mango and a honeyed zest. The nice, lengthy finish ends with crisp citrus.