Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2007

• Area: California, Napa
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Rating: Black 89 Dilettante 88 Nwjr 90

Description: Crisp and dry elements of pineapple, grapefruit, citrus and melon. Clean pear finish.

Price: $15

Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2008

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 13%
• Rating: Black 85 Dilettante 85

Description: Light in the mouth and on the nose with nuances of pear, apple, mineral, lime and grapefruit.

Price: $9

Kingsford Manor Sauvignon Blanc 2008

• Area: California, Napa Valley
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 12.7%
• Rating: Black 89 Dilettante 89

Description: Bold, white fruit nose with a clingy mouthfeel reminiscent of a Viognier. The attack is light with tones of pear. Flavors of pink grapefruit, kiwi, and a touch of pineapple give a sweet and sour impression on a bold and dry finish. This sould be good with a variety of foods. We will buy this one again.

Price: $12

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Rating: Black 86, Dilettante 87, Nwjr 88

Description: Refreshing aromas of apricot, green apple and cut grass are light on the nose. Flavors of herbs, honeydew and pineapple are wrapped around a citrus core. This light wine is lively in the mouth; finishing clean and fruity.

Price: $15

Starborough on the web

Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Rating: Black; 88 Dilettante; 88

Description: Aromas of tropical fruits, green apple and cut grass abound on the nose. On the palate it's zippy and refreshing. Flavors of tropical fruits and herbs are accented by a bright acidity and supported by notes of crushed rocks. The finish is clean and dry. As the wine warms, bitter notes show up. Avoid this unfortunate occurrence by keeping it chilled.

Food Pairing: oysters, clams, salads
Musical Pairing: George Gershwin

Babich Wines on the Web

Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2007

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauv. Blanc
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Rating: Black; 86... Dilettante; 86

Description: The fruit for this wine is harvested from across the region. It has a very light nose of grapes and straw. On the palate it's lively and crisp with flavors of gooseberry, mango and a touch of passionfruit. It's not too sweet and not too tart. Nice.

Food Pairing: Langostinos with leeks, sole, green salads
TV Pairing: Bullshit
Musical Pairing: Andreas Vollenweider

Brancott on the Web

Sacred Hill Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc 2006

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Rating: Black; 89 Dilettante; 88 The Z; 90

Description: Ok, some aficionados call that "herbal, grassy, wet hay" nose cat piss. Oh my, the power of a word. The experts, as described in The New York Times, consider this aroma a very good thing. All joking aside, we really liked this wine. It's crisp and fruity with giggly flavors of pineapple, apricot and grapefruit. The light acidity is balanced nicely with a hint of sweetness.
Food Pairing: Sole Florentine
Musical Pairing: Yellow or Gentle Giant

Sacred Hill on the web

The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2005

• Area: New Zealand, Marlborough
• Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 13%
• Rating: Black: 88 Dilettante:89

Description: This one has a screw top but don't let that put you off -- no jug wine here. This straw colored beauty has a nose of herbs and flowers. With a bit of glycerin, it's full and round in mouth. Flavors of cut grass, grapefruit, and a bit of peach are enhanced by light acidity. We both liked this one. For under $15 it was a great find.
Food Pairing: Seafood, Crab brings out a hint of ginger.
TV Pairing: Deal or No Deal

The Crossings