8 Sauvignon Blancs, this time around. And the results, as always were halfway expected and halfway a surprise.
First place: Forefathers Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2004 - 9.1
It's not a real shock that a New Zealand SB would show in first place. Sauvignon Blanc's from Hobbit Land end up being relatively overt with their fruit-profiles (generally grapefruit and/or lemon are prevalent). But this was certainly different than the everyday stuff.
The scent of petrol was obvious, with some graceful tropical fruit. A very well-balanced wine even perhaps some minerality to it on the finish. Great showing, and a bit shocking that a 2004 would steal the show. ($14-20)
Second place: Peter Franus Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, California, 2007 - 8.5
Easily the best new typical new world we tasted. Gobs of stonefruit, pineapple, lemon peel and saltiness. And soundly elegant. ($17-23)
Third place: Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson, New Zealand, 2006 - 8.0
2 out of 3 for the Bagginses. Although not from the famed SB region of Marlborough (but in nearby Nelson), the grapefruitey style was easy to see. Lauren said it smelled like "salty B.O and olives," but that it was also really tasty. Most people agreed. A definite crowd-pleasing middle-of-the-road style, truthfully. The nose admittedly is not for the playing-it-safe type. But seriously, salty B.O. and olives does make for an intriguing entry into a wine, especially when you find the body evolves into something with exciting and crisp fruit. ($11-16)
Fourth place: Le Celliers de la Pauline Sancerre, Eric Louis, Loire, France, 2006 - 7.8
It's certainly interesting that the best-showing Sancerre only received 4th. A lime and floral nose with a spattering of vanilla was the first impression, and green and salty in some ways (good ways). A medium-bodied, tangy entry. ($20-25)
Fifth place: Sauvignon de la Bargemone, Coteaux D'aix en Provence, France, 2005 - 7.7
A very nice surprise. A very soft style, with pleasant citrus and petrol. It certainly wasn't complex, but it was easy and fruity. There is also a bit of Grenache Blanc and Ugni Blanc thrown in for blending purposes. And it's not too often you see Sauvignon Blancs from Provence. Best buy of the night if you can find it. -- hint -- try Village Corner in Ann Arbor. ($5-9)
Sixth place: Franck Millet Sancerre, Loire, France, 2004 - 7.6
This was admittedly a disappointment. One usually expects better grace from Sancerre. There really should be no problem with a 2004 Sancerre tasting well 3 1/2 years after harvest. But the odd thing is it didn't taste old. If anything, it tasted young. The petrol/mineral was awfully fiery. There was some fruit and minerality that retained our interest, but there really was no exquisite complexities. Still good, but it may not have been opened at the right time. ($18-25)
Seventh place: Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, California, 2005 - 7.3
I'm kind of astonished this actually showed this well. An value-oriented '05 Sauvignon Blanc rarely stands a chance of showing some interesting fruit while still having some acidity. But this one did. Granted, I couldn't imagine this tasting good a year from now, but the point is it tasted fine a few days ago. And that's what counts. ($7-12)
Eighth place: Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, California, 2007 - 7.2
What a freaking disappointment. Light fruit, light color. Short finish. I'd spend $8 on this no more. But Groth is not about to charge $8 for their Sauvignon Blanc. BOOOOOOOOOO. ($14-21)
But seriously, try to find the one from Provence. For the money, you can't really be disappointed on that. If you can't find it, keep in mind all of these were good wines. They weren't faulty and they weren't boring (well, maybe the Groth was).
The next giant tasting we'll be doing is the grandaddy of all summer wines: Rosés!
Until the next time, keep on drinkin'.
-Pitchfork Wine
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