The Sauvignon Blanc Taste Off

The Sauvignon Blanc Taste Off – Episode #245

May 30, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk explores these 4 Sauvignon Blancs and gives his 2 cents.

Comments on this episode(183) Leave a comment ›

“Great to see the Sauvignon Blancs. Try a blind tasting of them soon?
…” by dcpatton
“QOTD: NZ, but I need to expand to other parts of the world. Sorry abo…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 183 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Coopers Creek Sauvignon BlancNew Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Sterling Sauvignon BlancNapa Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Kingston Family Cariblanco Sauvignon BlancChilean Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Morin Sancerre Vieilles VignesSancerre Blanc

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

183 Responses

May 30, 2007

gustasopher
1st?
May 30, 2007

Karl Laczko
Hey Gary, usually I hate the simple posts that say “Top5″ or “Top 10″, but as I don’t think I’ve been this early before I just had to do it, sorry. Sauvignon Blanc usually aren’t my favourite – but I’ll keep trying
May 30, 2007

Rob B.
Another good episode.
QOTD: Haven’t really had enough Sauvignon Blanc’s to say I have a favorite, let alone a favorite country. I’ll check back in a few months.
Oh yeah TOP 5!!!!
May 30, 2007

Adam Altman
hot damn
May 30, 2007

Harold
Usually not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc GV but as you say, “let’s give it a whirl.”
May 30, 2007

E
91 = 13 * 7
May 30, 2007

JJW
Top 10. As a vegetarian I really appreciate sauvignon blancs. Good with food generally and great with vegetarian fare. The Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc is usually a great deal.
May 30, 2007

TimInFL
Top 10…Yeah! sav blanc…boo!
May 30, 2007

Grasshopper
i feel so cheap going for a top 10…:)
May 30, 2007

vibemore
loving the blancy!
May 30, 2007

waibeans
T.T.
May 30, 2007

FredinNYC
QOTD: I only drink reds. I never think of whites as REAL wines. I guess I have a lot to learn
May 30, 2007

cgf
What does zing zang miss wang mean?

QOTD: New Zealand for its QPR by far. I don’t have enough experience with Chile or loire valley yet, but US Sauv. Blanc does not do it for me. You might have been a little harsh on the state of Cali for it though. Maybe it just is not planted in the right places or they are overoaking it?

12 episodes? good luck guy!
May 30, 2007

SP
France, I’ve never had a Sancerre, but enjoy Pouilly-Fume and Reuilly very much.
May 30, 2007

vibemore
QOTD: I have to go with New Zealand. I really like Villa Maria’s SV. Nothing life changing about it but it most definitely is (as you’ve already stated) consistent and uplifting.
May 30, 2007

waibeans
QOD.. recently tried a Sancerre and thought it was great! (good QPR too being under $15). Other than that NZ would be my pick for best country.

Cali Vaniacs: have a GREAT time tomorrow at the party. Enjoy every moment and every drop of wine!
May 30, 2007

DryDrew
QOTD: New Zealand
May 30, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

Sorry you did not have great luck with the Sauv Blancs. The Mrs. and I really enjoy them and have to say that it is a toos up for us on the QOTD. We love New Zealand Sauv Blancs like Drylands, Matua, Kim Crawford..ect. But we also love a couple we have had from Bordeuax and Sancerre. The NZ’s seem to have more grapefruit component and are great on hot days on our boat. But I think the balance and structure of the french sauv blancs are better with food…in my humble opinion….

You going cruising next week?

Grasshopper
May 30, 2007

Doc Dan
Not a big fan of Sauv Blancs. But, I did like Duckhorn the one time I had it.
May 30, 2007

avwineguy
Answer to QOD is New Zealand (Cloudy Bay and Kim Crawford)
May 30, 2007

Jens
QOTD: Sancerre (and Pouilly-FumÃ©) rules! So does white Bordeaux. Ergo France. But NZ have some nice sauvignons blancs as well.
May 30, 2007

jason carey
France, I like serious Pouilly Fume, Menetou Salon, and The Tourainne Blancs from Clos Roche blanche.
May 30, 2007

wine-ot
Thanks GV…for not choosing a wine today that would cause us all to bust out the piggy bank…Q.O.D. New Zealand…but was hoping you’d reccomend a nice Sancerre…really want to try the goat cheese pairing!Hope the bazzzillion tapings went well, safe travels!
May 30, 2007

Trish da' Dish
Hi, Gary! I especially love New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs (because they have unbelievable noses, and are fruit-fruit-fruity , but I also find that I enjoy the French Sauvignon Blancs (when someone else is paying for it .

Have a positive day!
May 30, 2007

Lynne
QOD: New Zealand. For the price and the taste!

To the Cali folks: You all are going to have such a great time!
Probably better scratch the Napa SB tastings!
May 30, 2007

thabeav
I love Sauv Blanc. Thanks for another great epsisode. California Sauv Blancs, because they are so consistnently bad, are a great way to introduce novices to the differences between good wine (sancerre, new zealand) and crap (California). Thus, I “appreciate” them. Few varietal/location combos are so consistent.

QOTD: 1) sancerre BUT close, 2) new zealand (kim crawford, sunday mountain – great QPR!)
May 30, 2007

Sean
Not a big white wine fan. I would say Chile. I love South American wines from Argentina and Chile.
May 30, 2007

Robin
QOTD New Zealand is the country we most frequently turn to when we want a good, reliable Sauvignon Blanc.
May 30, 2007

Oregon Sipper
I suck… Never had a sauv blanc…
May 30, 2007

Oregon Sipper
I suck again!
May 30, 2007

Cydney
I am from Cali and I really didn’t like your comments regarding Sav Blancs. How about tasting a Sav Blanc from a winery that is more of a rep of Cali instead of a generic wine from a mass producer like Sterling??? Maybe a Cakebread next time??? You can get that in a supermarket so your viewers can get it. Maybe something from Santa Barbara??? Let me know when you taste real Sav Blanc wines from California.
Cyd
May 30, 2007

caleb
awesome energy today, 100% agreement about cali sauv blanc, total crapola 85% of the time. Looking forward to your tasting notes from home! BC wines are the biggest let down!
QOTD-NZ in da hizzy
May 30, 2007

MrTC
I’ve been having a go at Sauvignon Blanc myself lately. Bought 3 bottles of the stuff just the other weekend: Southern Right (South Africa, just *love* the label), Geyser Peak (Cali) and Lawson’s Dry Hills (NZ). Also considering 3 or 4 others (wishlist). So far I’ve tried the Geyser Peak and wasn’t really blown away by it. Not a bad bottle, but not worth the money either (US wines are expensive here in Europe).

QOTD: I’ll let you know when I drink the others . Seriously, I love Pouilly-FumÃ© and Sancerre but even in Europe the good ones are expensive (to my taste). Still undecided on NZ, need to try more. Secretly hoping South-Afirca or Chile will surprise me.

Favourite Sauv Blanc of recent times: Cloudy Bay 2004 at a seafood restaurant, 3 weeks ago. So good we ordered a second bottle!
May 30, 2007

vivaitalia
I suck! We’ll I guess I have a reason to go out and buy a bottle. I’ve had the best luck with white wines from france, especially the rhone and loire ones. I might have to try a NZ one too cuz that grassy smell sounds very intriguing.
May 30, 2007

brooklyni
summer + sauvignon blanc = nice
May 30, 2007

PhilB
QOTD:
For fun: New Zealand (Monkey Bay is nice…)

For serious tasting: Loire Valley
May 30, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
QOTD: Without a doubt: New Zealand.
May 30, 2007

brooklyni
you really should write that letter by the way gary.
May 30, 2007

Gareth
Nice episode. With summer approaching its all about the Sauvignon Blanc! For me it’s got to be Sancerre. They just have a polish, subtlety and elegance that you don’t get anywhere else. Having said that, sometimes you just can’t beat NZ for a fun, zesty and tropical flavoured Sauvignon Blanc. At the moment Iâ€™m really enjoying the 2005 Chateau de Tracy. As previous posters have pointed out though Sancerre is not all that cheap…even in Europe.
May 30, 2007

Andy
Bring on the shellfish and a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc — You have got it all. GREAT ONE G.

QOTD— NEW ZEALAND has the great Sauvignon Blanc of today.
May 30, 2007

jorge
QOTD: Loire Valley, France. The rest of the world still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to SB structure, class and elegance.

Have a safe trip(s), lots of fun with all the SF folks, and stay out of jail. Pick up some Cuban cigars during your cruise, if you don’t smoke, send them over.
May 30, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
New Zealand all the way.
May 30, 2007

KenP
Fun episode.
QOTD: France, of course.
May 30, 2007

Orion Slayer
Nice try at giving equal time to white wine, but I’m afraid Sauvignon blanc just doesn’t do it for me. Do another show like you did on Albarino (vinho verde?), there’s a grape to write home about. My wife and I both enjoyed the one I got for Memorial day.

QOTD: USA, California, Napa Valley even! I have tried the Frog’s Leap SB and liked it.
May 30, 2007

manual
nice episode GV. i did a little pissing on the buffering yesterday. even tried to download the quicktime.
Today… FANTASTIC!!! flawless in fact.

you were clearly on a roll today with your letter to Cali. Cheers to always being straight up.

QOTD : New Zealand. huge fun with enough character to keep them honest.
May 30, 2007

Annapolitan
Gary, Andy nailed it! Been buying alot of NZ SB since it’s warmed up.
May 30, 2007

IanY
I agree with avwineguy’s comment – cloudy bay is just wonderful!
May 30, 2007

Sarah L
QOTD: I think I’m the only person that doesn’t like NZ Sauvignon Blanc. I do like French SB, particularly from Graves. I’ve tried the South African, Sincerely, which I also thought was good.
May 30, 2007

1855class
nice llcoolj reference!

qotd: depending on my mood-chile or new zealand.
May 30, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: I’ve only ever had one Sau. Blanc, so I don’t feel like I can properly answer this question.
May 30, 2007

Alos Diallo
Well Gary it would have to be America! My favorite is the Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve, I love this stuff . Although I have not had too many others.
May 30, 2007

auspuff
QOTD: New Zealand

I like the Nobilo Regional Collection
May 30, 2007

E
I think the last Sauvignon Blanc I really paid any attention to was a white Bordeaux. Is that cheating?
May 30, 2007

wolfie
qotd: new zealand

i agree with gary’s comments about CA sauv blanc. most of the ones i’ve had have been hot and boring. and when they oak the crap out of them it makes me wanna die.

i dig sancerre as well, but honestly have only had a few bottles so i can’t make the call at this point.
May 30, 2007

John Blue Label
GV,
Not a lot to write home about today, is there?
QOTD: New Zealand.
JW
May 30, 2007

ecola
QOTD: New Zealand, Omaka Springs
May 30, 2007

Freddy
all time favorite would have to be france, although i haven’t had many french sauvignon blancs that have inspired me, partly because I haven’t purhcased that many, partly because i’m disappointed by the efforts. new zealand has been coming on strong, and in addition to the kim crawford, matua, i think an underrated sauvignon blanc is the oyster bay sauvignon blanc from new zealand. kind of takes the backseat approach to the other two, but i think it holds its own to a lot of the other similarly priced sauv blancs from nz and blows cali out of the water. would be interested in what a conscientious wine maker could do with sauv blanc in oregon. maybe we should challenge the big vay-ner-CHUK to find an SB from oregon that is worthy of consumption? think you can handle it GV?
May 30, 2007

David Canada
Zing Zang miss wang…..what the F was that?>?>?:)
QOTD – Gotta be NZ for the fruit but I have not had enough from France to really make a judgement. We make some decent ones in Ontario. Tried any of those?
May 30, 2007

RuralTom
Greetings Mr V!

Question of the day: As much as I enjoy some of the Kiwi SBs, France makes the definitive sauvignon blancs.
May 30, 2007

Clifford James
Thanks for another great episode GV.

QOTD: New Zealand

I haven’t yet thanked you, and I want to do it with a longer note, but the Sunday Mountain Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, at $8 from WL, was THE FIRST BOTTLE OF WHITE WINE THAT DARCEY AND I ACTAULLY LIKED!!!

And we REALLY liked it.

What a nice wine. What a good value.

… and we NEVER would have heard of it if it weren’t for YOU! So there! In fact, I just ordered another from WL, so … something is working for you!
I think it’s the utter honesty you bring! It MUST be hard at times for you (from your suppliers, I assume), but please don’t stop!

Be Well

Keep it up!
May 30, 2007

Trish da' Dish
Off topic, but–Gary, what’s going on with “Ask Wine Library TV?” It has been offline for ~a day and a 1/2 now. Your viddle? viddler? is asking for questions from us, so where do you want us to send our questions?
May 30, 2007

geespot
The letter writing bit? Dying laughing. Cali does indeed blow the big one when it comes to SB. So, QOD, for QPR can’t beat those Kiwis, but I really like Sancerre when I want a very polished white wine to serve with delicate fare. Most NZ SBs can’t hold a candle, even in the ~20$ range, to the mouthfeel and integration of flavors like a good Sancerre can, IMHO. I feel that the New Zealand SBs are pushing the envelope of what the varietal can do, as far as exploring crazy flavors and textures but some are hit or miss. While Sancerre showcases the classic attributes of the varietal.
May 30, 2007

Dublin
QOTD: Sancerre is the best area for SB’s in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some really nice NZ SB’s but some of the best SB’s thus far have been from Sancerre. I’ve only had one Sauvingnon Blanc from Napa that I’ve liked, Duckhorn.
May 30, 2007

bryan
I went to a tasting last week with a lot of decent Oregon SBs, the J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc Croft Vineyard stood out, but a lot of them were around $20. The best SBs I’ve had were all from New Zealand.
May 30, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
New Zealand!!! Kim Crawford, Cloudy Bay…… Fruity Zing-lishus.

Sauvignon Blanc ( so-vee-n’yohn blahn) All together now……
May 30, 2007

mas
QOTD: Toss up between France (Ch. Carbonnieux and Pessac-Leognan in general, Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre), and New Zealand (Marlborough – Matua Paretai and Cainbrae The Stones were two recent favorites). Had some nice Cali’s but they are definitely QPR challenged (Spottswoode is usually very good, Peter Michael L’Apres Midi) and would agree that the bad definitely outweigh the good, and usually nothing below $30.
May 30, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great episode as always. I have tried several Sauv Blancs and rarely do I like them, they tend to be soapy and sour to me. A few months ago I had one from Italy. I can’t remember the exact wine or vintage from the restaurant wine list but I had to rethink Sauv Blanc again. The green grass and the melon flavors screamed from that wine, it was incredible. I will try Sauv Blanc again just in case I find a good one, next time I will write down what it is.
QOTD Italy
May 30, 2007

E-Rock
QOTD = The grand old U S of A.. I’m very fond of the NO.
May 30, 2007

Neil
Dear GV – You may have screwed up your nose drinking too many cat pee New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs recently to truly apreciate California’s efforts and then you pull out the Sterling as a representative – while you’re at it why not 2B Chuck as well?

C’mon there are some good ones, Hartwell has a nice Sauvignon Blanc – QPR is a little on the high end. How about St. Clement, Flora Springs, Chimney Rock, Day Dream, the list goes on and on…..

Sterling! Sterling?

From the slant of my post you have to guess that I enjoy California Sauvignon Blancs. I also enjoy Sancerre. Because you trashed by beloved state I’m gonna have to go with USA/California/all/the/way on this one baby!

Sancerre-ly yours
May 30, 2007

CabernetNoir
Weak question of the day…without a DOUBT! New Zealand dominates in the world of Sauvignon Blanc.

Good to see you pulling out the Sancerre on Sauv. Blanc day, and your letter to Cali growers is funny at best.

I’m looking forward to seeing the next 12 or so episodes as you have taped them all in a row. My bet is #12 will be most entertaining.

Have fun in Cali GV and thanks for taping some shows so we can change the wine world!
May 30, 2007

Rick Dickulous
Chile…..Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc hands down..and no one can make me change my mind.
May 30, 2007

Marc Mc
New Zealand – Gusto by Davis Family
May 30, 2007

CabernetNoir
One more thought…..have you ever noticed that New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and New Zealand Chardonnays taste darn near exactly the same? I saw someone on the board mentioned Monkey Bay. Try tasting those two (Monkey Bay Sauv. Blanc & Monkey Bay Chardonnay) side by side…….you’ll be blown away.
May 30, 2007

J Crazy
QOTD: NZ Sauv. Blancs sharp enough to shave with. No, try it. I’m not joking.
May 30, 2007

Bossman
Can’t speak to SB’s I’m a tyro with much to explore before going down the girly man path but I did buy the Nora and sooner of later I’ll open it so I guess you’re rubbing off.

Speaking of girly men, nice shirt, do they make it in men’s?

QOTD: I suck ;(
May 30, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I guess I suck. Damn!
May 30, 2007

thescrewcap
question: NZ
May 30, 2007

Suzanne
Nice SB episode! (For white wine these days, I’m hardly drinking anything except Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling)
QOTD: Sancerre-Pouilly Fume.
May 30, 2007

eugene
QOTD:

Vive la France!

You wanted political?

“Allons enfants de la Patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrivÃ© !
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L’Ã©tendard sanglant est levÃ©
Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes
Mugir ces fÃ©roces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras.
Ã‰gorger vos fils, vos compagnes!

Aux armes citoyens
Formez vos bataillons
Marchons, marchons
Qu’un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons…
…. so it goes
May 30, 2007

Jon B.
good episode QOTD… New Zealand
May 30, 2007

Winodontist
I can’t speak french so hopefully someone can translate that last comment for me.

Gary, take episodes that didn’t go too well (Rose, Sauv. Blanc) and revisit them sometime soon with products that you have tried in advance. Sometimes you get me fired up about a particular varietal only to be let down by what you tasted. Basically you’ll sell more wine when we have products you actually liked.

QOTD: I think I have only had California, so I’m not an expert.
May 30, 2007

flavasauce
QOTD: For me France excells in almost all wine types
May 30, 2007

Kevin C.
I agree with many of the above posts that the QPR for California SB is not there but there are some very nice wines in the $20-$30. I feel the Duckhorn and Merry Edwards SB’s are really nice wines and implore you to try them before giving up on California SB. Perhaps you can suggest wines similar to these at a lower price point for a better value?

QOTD: USA, because I don’t know any better at this point.
May 30, 2007

maggiej
QOTD: Sadly, have only tried sauv. blancs from california I have to agree with your assesment too. I did like Babcock vineyard’s 2006 estate sauvignon blanc (nice pine), but poor QPR.
May 30, 2007

Gilbert
For my money, the Loire Valley produces the gold standard in SB wines, Gary’s underwhelming example notwithstanding. Try the Sancerres of Alphonse Mellot, or the thrilling Pouilly Fumes of Dagueneau if you doubt me. have ‘em with a hunk of goat cheese, or a plate of briny oysters, preferably East coast or European – and see how these wines sing with food. Even Thai food works with them! And I should know, ’cause I’m a sommelier!
May 30, 2007

portman
QOTD: New Zealand, over and over again. But I do hear the Loire calling…

Thursday evening I will be at a tasting featuring Aussie wines. We’ll see where the thunder is tomorrow night.

The Viddler works fine, have not had any trouble, even during the internet prime time of 8 PM + in the eastern time zone. The last time I had buffering troubles was the Bordeaux episodes.
May 30, 2007

Pete Wanning
Gary:

Great episode. After tasting numerous NZ Sauvignon Blancs over the past months, with a few sprinklings of California S.B.s mixed in, I can definitely say that all of the California S.B.s have been disappointing.

We have fallen in love with the Marlborough region, and although sometimes predictable, it usually always delivers in some form or another and can be distinctive with the flinty aspects that Sancerre sometimes delivers.

Give me a Matua, Geisen, Monkey Bay or Kim Crawford any day over an uninspiring CA S.B.

pww
May 30, 2007

gatormha
“Dear California….” CLASSIC!

QOTD: I, too, have had only California. And after that episode, I realize that I may as well have not had any at all.
May 30, 2007

John Witherspoon
Hey GV

Nice LL Cool J shout out at the beginning of the episode. It sure sounded like you got some dud Sauv Blancs, minus the 1st one. Sauv Blanc is the fall back wine for summertime around the Witherspoon house, MMMMMMMMMM!

QOTD: New Zealand – Price, Quality, Consistency, the WHOLE PACKAGE. I know she is probably played out but Kim Crawford never disappoints.

I know you were hating on Cali tonight for the Sauv Blancs, but Ferrari Carrano has a great Fume and a great Sauv that rocks, as well as Grgich HIlls (a little pricey but yummy)

J DUB
May 30, 2007

GeneV
QOTD: France. Sancerre is (usually) a beautiful, balanced wine.

However, I have had excellent California SB as well. Rochioli is as good as it gets, and Hanna makes a nice SB as well. For uniqueness, Dutchers Crossing is interesting, though not typical. None of these will blow QPR off the charts.

Interesting coincidence that this episode happens a couple of days after someone starts a thread on SB on the forum. I still think too much of the Marlborough SB tastes like the litter box on the prairie–pee and grass is starting to become to NZ SB what butter and oak became to CA Chard (IMO).
May 30, 2007

yowens44
QOTD: New Zealand hands down. Love the grass and red grapefruit. My girlfriend watches every episode with me and is too shy to write but she says “hi.”
May 30, 2007

Roberto
In my humble opinion, France has a lock on Suav Blanc. Sancere with raw oysters is an unrivaled combination.
May 30, 2007

EricB
Why are my comments not showing up???

take 3:
My favorite SB (in my limited SB experience), is from California… Geyser Peak. It’s very vegetal, and needs a strong vegetable dish to pair with… like this one:
Greek Pizza
tv.winelibrary.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6028
May 30, 2007

EricB
There is goes — it probably didn’t like the full http url link
May 30, 2007

Jen
QOTD: I’m not afraid to say, as you were not afraid to wear your team’s jersey in Oakland, that I like our Sauvignon Blancs here in the USA. So there!
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite Sauv. Blanc from another country yet; maybe I haven’t tried the right one.
Don’t be mean to Cali!
May 30, 2007

mike m
QOTD As with all the white wines I don’t drink MARRRRRRRRRS
May 30, 2007

Herm
I have only had one Sauvignon Blanc and it was from California….I think I will look for some New Zealands….Thanks for the episode….
May 30, 2007

NathanN
QOTD: I SUCK. I don’t drink Sauvignan Blanc. When I have a white wine it is usually a Riesling
May 30, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: Only ever had sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. I figure I am probably several years behind on trying all the wine I want to try.
May 30, 2007

NathanN
Gary have a Blast in San Fran!
May 30, 2007

BV
Cali!

America!

By jingo!

Bill V.
May 30, 2007

nougat
QOTD:
1. New Zealand
2. France
3. South Afica (similar to the NZs)
4. CA – haven’t had many good ones lately. Rochioli makes a nice one.

I would have taken that Jets jersey off and fashioned it into a green skirt so fast…
May 30, 2007

wm mole
Usually use SB’s as a palate cleanser and my socks have mostly remained on. Have liked them tho with a bowl of steamed clams, chewy dunked french bread and butter.

Cal/USA only.
May 31, 2007

Greg B.
Ok Big G. I think I’m sticking to Rose’s and Other white wines for the summer. Maybe, just maybe some New Zealands. QOTD, New Zealand and you’ll didn’t show me any other winners here so……..
May 31, 2007

t_moderne
QOTD – I mostly cook with Sauvignon Blanc. And that is usually from NZ. Sure, I’ll take a sip while cooking – but after my mouth puckers at the lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, tartness of the SB, I cork it and put it in the fridge. I then open the red wine that will be served with dinner, pour a short wine (to let the rest of the bottle breathe) and enjoy that.

Will we see G.V’s mugshot on “Smoking Gun”?
Cool!
May 31, 2007

Elliot
Yo GV! I want you to try Alpha Omega’s Sauv Blanc. Alpha Omega is the newest winery in the NV and I think their Sauv Blanc is bangin.
May 31, 2007

Kirk
Gary….great show. I agree that there are a lot of marginal SB out there…but my favorites come from New Zealand…and Oregon(Patty Green). Great show…
May 31, 2007

jack
new zealand by far! the nose alone on these suckers are worth the price of admission. qpr can’t be beat as most of these highly scored 89+ are all $10-15. marlborough is the golden standard right now as far as quality and consistency from year to year.
May 31, 2007

Justin S
My .02; Why is everyone in such a hurry? Slow down!

QOTD:For crispness and food France
For drinking on a hot summers day New Zealand
May 31, 2007

Jim Wilkerson
More than half of my white wine consumption is SB. Agree that most from California is disappointing and bad on QPR, but there are some good ones — the Vaynernation has named several. Some of the better ones I’ve tried are from Groth, Ferrari-Carano, Dry Creek Vineyards.

Having said all that…
QOTD: close call, but I’ll go with NZ for the QPR and availability. I can choose from 5 or 6 nice NZ SBs on my weekly grocery shopping trips, while they have zero-zip-zilch Sancerre.

My house white for a while last year was Oxford Landing SB from Australia ($7). Certainly not profound, but pitch-perfect, clean, crisp everyday white.
May 31, 2007

r3dwine
My fav Sauv Blanc? France. I almost don’t think of Loire whites in the same category as Sauv Blanc from US or anywhere else. And I like CA Sauvignon Blanc also – I’ll just say it.
May 31, 2007

Fco.
Cool show. Made notes where notes were needed and I do not know enough to answer the QOTD. But I am curious, I drank a Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc and loved it…wondering what you think of it. oh…hell what am I doing? the archive….the archive!
May 31, 2007

Oregon Jim
I have had a few NZ SBs that were quite good. Dog Point has not been mentioned, but is an excellent Marlborough producer. 2006 Kim Crawford is like biting into a lemon, very intense acidity!

QOTD NZ is what I know, but I’m sure the French are superior (at least in their own minds)
May 31, 2007

Panoca
Great episode! Sauvignon blanc is my favorite white wine, both for sipping and with food. I think New Zeland is unbeatable, for price, bouquet and taste. Second place goes to Chile.
Thanks Gary!
May 31, 2007

Medo
Nice show Gary! Chile is realy getting to the max in Sauvignon Blanc, especially from Casablanca / Leyda Valley like the Montes Sauvignon Blanc Limited Selection.

QOTD: New Zealand!
May 31, 2007

Tom L
QOTD Answer: New Zealand

Ask WLTV is down, so I’ll ask the question here – when are we going to do the HEAT episode, GV???? I picked up a couple cases at WL yesterday over the lunch hour. They sat in my car all afternoon and the temp went up to 90 degrees. I’m not really worried about a couple hours (cases sit in trucks for hours all the time), but teach us wine newbees what we have to be careful of when it comes to wine and heat, OK?
May 31, 2007

Jimmy B
QOTD: Guess I suck, but then again it seems you didn’t have much luck either with only 1 getting kudos? But you have tasted – I have not. I plan to remedy that pronto.
May 31, 2007

Jameus
Good Episode GV! Great idea to grab each one from a different country too. I could see that working for quite a few wine types and would be interested in the results

QOTD: well… apparently I suck I haven’t tried a Sav. Blanc yet. I will however seek one out and give it an unbiased attempt. I’m just now starting into exploring whites and really haven’t had all that many. I had a Petit chablis lastnight and it was awsome! A truckload of pucker-power dryness hit me!
May 31, 2007

Elliot Essman
I agree with many of the comments about New Zealand first, Chile second.

California has problems with this grape, but that said, I did enjoy the 2005 St. SupÃ©ry Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc I had by the glass a few months ago at California Pizza Kitchen.

The pizza was goat cheese and roasted peppers, also a success.
May 31, 2007

Fishamble
QOTD: Reluctant to choose between Loire and New Zealand.

I take it none of the ones you tried in this episode were oaked to any extent? I think that Sav Blanc can benefit from subtle oaking, would be interested to know what you think yourself.
May 31, 2007

cali6buff
QOTD: Marlborough all the way.

With the notes on the Mahi Sauvignon Blanc, I was shocked you didn’t taste it for us.
May 31, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Great Ep!!
Love the energy!!!
Glad you are legal to go back to CA!!
May 31, 2007

lifestooshort
Mightta gone with the 10 buck New Haven 2006 from NZ? Big, citrusy nose. Bright star fruit and lime flavors with grass and cat pee (it’s weird, but true); clean, smooth, long finish–great for the uber hot weather coming up. Awesome episode for GV hijinks–especially the teacher upbrading! (Selling candy; classic…) Some neighbors “popped” a box of Almaden white “wine” last weekend. It actually tasted like bug spray with a finish of DDT. Unreal. What are people thinking? I gave them a bottle of Conundrum–big mistake. QOTD: NZ. But that could change tomorrow (like my faves change every week).
May 31, 2007

thkorent
QOTD: I have more than 1 answer here: the best I’ve tasted overall, was the 06 cloudy bay from New Zealand. The most intriguing one was an 05 Terrunyo from Concha y Toro, Chile and QPR wise there are Austrian and South African Sauvs that deliver better than Marlborough for me…
May 31, 2007

JJ
Sauv Blanc is my favorite white -chard is p*&^ss. I really like most NZ Sauv Blancs and agree CA needs to rip them out.

NZ has numerous SBs superior to what you tasted today – you might do a NZ only show
May 31, 2007

Eags
Fav Country for Sav Blanc: France and New Zealand for value
May 31, 2007

Robert F
You should seriously send that letter to someone. Or maybe just buy all the SB yourself and tear it up.

QOTD: I’d have a tough time choosing between France and NZ. Depends on whether I want to munch on grass or suck on wet rocks.
May 31, 2007

Kelldey
Another great ep! The Cali letter was priceless.

QOTD: I suck. Haven’t tried any SBs, but will try some based on suggestions from other posters.

Thanks for all you do and have a great time in San Fran! Any chance you’ll EVER make it to OK (I’d even travel to TX, KS, MO or AR)? I’ll probably just have to look you up the next time I’m in the NYC area!
K
May 31, 2007

Paul M.
The Brancott Sauvignon Blanc or even Dyed in the Wool is better than these.

It’s too bad you had a “bad bunch” of SB’s because it is my favorite wine to drink in the warmer weather.

Paul M.
Seymour, CT
May 31, 2007

Metal Dave
QOTD: France.

Dude, I actually really liked the 2005 Morin Sancerre. I didn’t have the Veille Vignes, but the regular one. It’s one of my favourites.

I’d love to see you taste a range of wines from Didier Dagueneau. How about the “Blanc Fume de Pouilly,” the “Pur Sang,” and the “Buisson Renard.” THAT would be a great Sauvignon Blanc Episode.

You could even show some pictures of him cause he looks so wild. Jancis Robinson did an interview with him on her Wine Course DVD where he slammed 80% of winemakers as idiots. I think he’s really cool and is the epitome of what a winemaker should be.
May 31, 2007

Tom T.
Gary,

So far I have not tried too many SB’s but I do like the New Zealand wines a lot. Will have to give the Kingston Family a try. Thanks (and nice shirt!).

Tom
May 31, 2007

Iron Man
QOTD: the only I drink SB is when I use it for steamed mussels or making risotto.
May 31, 2007

Paul M.
Actually, the only decent California SB that I’ve had is the Mondavi Fume Blanc. Crisp, sweet, acidic…not too bad.
May 31, 2007

WML
no-one makes classic SB’s except New Zealand. Have not tasted one from CALIf that is anywhere near the nose and palate of Marborough County. Try the Kim Crawford ‘06 for $12. Classic New Zealand.

New Zealand in my choice almost always.
May 31, 2007

RieslingRon
Got back from the Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta and have been going thorough last week’s episodes…………Great stuff.

SB is becoming one of my favorite whites……….NZ and France have the market cornered as far as I’m concerned.
May 31, 2007

Rich F
GV, don’t judge all Cali SB by the likes of Sterling. For that matter don’t judge any varoietal by the likes of Sterling.
May 31, 2007

Susan
Wow – serious Calif-bashing lately! How about a show on the Cali-wines that rate for you?

And yes – the prices shoot up as soon as a wine gets a good review in the O.C. Register. –since ‘you are’ “what you drive”, “what you wear” and “what label is on your table” out here….can’t deny that one.

…on my way to check out the Kensington SB if I can find it….thanks!
May 31, 2007

Ben Daniel
I grew up in Mendocino County in Northern California, where, in the Anderson Valley, which opens to the coast, Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown. I’ll take your letter up North and ask them to plant Pinot Noir and Gewertzimenor (mangled spelling, I’m sure) instead. I’ve never liked Sauvignon Blanc, but after watching your show I’ll try looking to something beyond the local product.

Cheers,

Ben
May 31, 2007

kevin
QOTD, New Zealand.
May 31, 2007

Renee Anderson
I agree completely that most California SB’s suck (although many improve immensely when paired with food). But I do have to agree with others about trying Sterling as a benchmark. That stuff is garbage, yuk. I also realize you are generally tasting wines that are available to the general public, so many of the wines I prefer may not be available in other parts of the country. All I can say is don’t let Sterling pass as the high mark for California SB’s. Some from the Paso Robles area are quite nice (eg Castoro Cellars). Matanzas Creek (Sonoma) has a great SB and probably is available in other areas. Navarro is fabulous but I think is mainly in restaurants and off their web site. And as someone else said, Cakebread baby.

That said, love the French.
May 31, 2007

Adrian
I have always hated Sav Blanc..A few of my family members swear by it, but it has such a weak sugar water taste to me…I have never found one that I like…See you in SF, can’t wait…I think I’ll bring something good maybe a Sterling Vineyards Sav Blac…lol
May 31, 2007

eduardo amaral
Hi Gary,
For California SB, try Mondavi FumÃ© Blanc 2004. It’s explosive and gorgeous!
Cheers!
==
Eduardo (out of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil)
May 31, 2007

karl satirev
New Zealand is very good, but France is romance.
May 31, 2007

wallace
QOD: i think new zealand is the spot for sav. blanc. I just love that grassy, fuity tomcat smell and the crispness of that region. I’ve had a few from France and Chile that were nice, and been drinking lots of Las Brisas from Spain which is a sav. blanc and verdejo blend. I think Sauvignon is a great summertime varietal.
May 31, 2007

Irene King
I love Sauv Blancs and Sancerres (different types, same pleasure) because they are pleasant, refreshing, and fun. Kinda like Roses.
May 31, 2007

Carlitos
QOTD: France even if this Sancerre didn’t come through.
May 31, 2007

stewart l
QOD-No question,New Zealand is the place for sauvignon blancs. I don’t care for calig. S. blancs-too grassy
May 31, 2007

mcj
QOTD – NZ for sure
May 31, 2007

Mott Hoople
Don’t overlook South Africa (although I think the Chenin Blancs I’ve had are even better). Not as strong as NZ, but pretty damn good.
May 31, 2007

Joe
Gary;

France (Louire Valley and Bordeaux) is the country of the best Sauv. Blancs!

But You really dissed Cali pretty badly. True, Cali makes worse SB than NZ or France…..but don’t pull up Peter Michael’s source of SB. Peter Micahel’s SB is perhaps the greatest white wine experiences of my life,

Joe
May 31, 2007

Liz & John
We used to be Big sauvignon blanc fans until Gary helped us discover and explore new wines old and new world ..but NZ Fernleaf SB without a doubt our favourite SB..Getting a bit hard to get our hands on in Ireland though !
May 31, 2007

Joe
What ever happened to Brandon M? He used to post 10 comments every show, and usually most always in 1st position.
May 31, 2007

Carolyn
QOTD: South Africa – hands down.
May 31, 2007

Wine Lush
QOTD: Loire for Sauvignon Blanc, I kicked it last year with a Didier Daguenaux Pouilly Fume Silex 1998. I lucked into the bottle. It was one of those serious wine moments, where it wasn’t opened too soon or too late, it was just right. I enjoy NZ, but I consider it a picnic wine, it’s great it the Texas heat. But when you want to BRING the rock stars to your party….there’s no where like Loire (clicking heels three times) there’s no where like Loire…..no where like Loire……
May 31, 2007

Jennifer
QOTD: I suck.
I’ve had one & I don’t remember what it was.
May 31, 2007

Grapedigger
I love the explosive nose of Sauv Blancs!…New Zealand Sauv Blancs seem to dominate QPR scale, Babiche & Kim Crawford are examples…
Cheers,
Grapedigger – Montreal
June 1, 2007

ChadD
QOTD: Loire with food and NZ by itself. Hey the third wine was even clearer than the second-looked just like water! I did enjoy the 04 Kenwood SB that I bought because of all the press it got in WS. I tried the 05 recently and it was VERY underwhelming. I’m starting to see what you mean about Cali SB.
June 1, 2007

Brian
I’ve never tried Chilean SB, so can’t respond to that one. I loved one New Zealand wine opened this month-Giesen-which was explosive aqnd fruity and grapefruity. Definitely outstanding. I also liked a Sancerre-Apicud??? which was completely the opposite-very lean and austere and reticent. Complketely different style, and I can’t say one is “better.

I can’t dismiss California, my home, so easily. Sterling basically makes plonk, almost across the board. It’s not very representative. I actually enjoy Mason Cellars (especially the $$$$ Reserve). There are some small producers probably only easily available out here-Farella-Park, Elizabeth Spencer, Matanzas Creek. The best seem to be more austere than NZ yet fruitier than Sancerre.
June 1, 2007

YoungDave
Gotta love the cat pee… I mean Sauv. Blanc

QOTD: Well, I know this is a sin, but I have yet to try Sancerre- I know I know, but I’ve had trouble finding one within my humble price range. HOWEVER, I have had a few good Sauv, Blancs from France from other reagions that have been really well balanced, grassy, and extremely clean. But I have to say that I have had my favorite Sauv. Blancs from New zealand, even if they are a bit oover the top with Grapefruit for DAYS on the nose and palate- I gotta give it to New Zealand for the EXPLOSION on the nose that I have yet to find within France (the jury will remain out until I buy a bottle from Sancerre!!)
June 1, 2007

Lar Veale
Gary,

I don’t want to be known as “Lar the Lurker” and I lovvvvve free stuff. Anyhoo, interesting that you did a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

I’m committing the month of June to whites which I previously viewed as a little bit girly and thought that could have been a little bit of a poor attitude on my part.

I tried “The Crossings Estate” Sauv. Blanc from Marlborough, NZ during the week and really enjoyed it. Instead of rotting passion fruit, very fresh ripe passion fruit.

I put notes up on Cork’d

Staying with that side of the world, Tasmania (the island state south of Melbourne) is producing some great cool climate wines. I recommed the Lalla Gully Riesling. Mmmmm.

So, I’m committing to whites and to commenting for the month of June! Enjoy SF and Greece.
June 1, 2007

C-BusWineMofo
QOTD – Its a tie between France and New Zealand, I like them both for different reasons and I will never mistake one for the other.
June 1, 2007

damon
country for SB. I am liking the really crisp ones from Chile at the momment. I like em simple and crisp, cause its hot in southwest ohio in the summer.
June 1, 2007

Pantheras
I certainly agree with you about the Sterling SB but lets not
castigate all California SBs. Try the Chateau Souverain SB.
The worst example is not Sterling but rather Chalk Hill
which has been manipulated beyond taste. New Zealand is the
place for SB now but there are a few good Kal i fornia SBs
June 1, 2007

SoCal
Still catching up G,
QOTD: France
June 1, 2007

Kelly
QOTD:

I personally enjoi the NZSB’s out of all those I have tried. I found that many other countries SB’s deliver on certain levels but are not all around good or great wines. Some have a great nose, other’s a palate, but NZ seems to be bringing the heat on all counts with most of their wines and for the price they’re unbeatable.
June 1, 2007

sharon
I cook with Savignon Blanc. It’s not my cup of tea.
June 1, 2007

Martijn
QOTD: I would have to say New Zealand for the very same reason you like them, consistent and the QPR is very good. With that said, I have not tried SB from a lot of other regions. I am still looking for a good SB from CA because I do believe in this day and age we should try to find products closer to home. I live in the Monterey area and have heard SB does nicely here because of the cooler coastal foggy climate . A little hesitant to put out $20 to try an unknown local SB though.
June 1, 2007

vivaitalia
I just can’t get over the urine smell I get in all of the sauvignon blancs from NZ that i’ve tried. The palate is stellar, but I just can’t shake the scent. Perhaps someone could tell me a wine I won’t have that problem with?
June 2, 2007

TSchampaert
Hi Gary, funny you did an episode about smth we just did. For http://www.ikwilwijn.be, we had a tasting of for about 13 SB’s I think (all bottles wine merchants sent us), also because of that ’summer’-stuff. Well, it was kind of a disappointment. I’m crazy about SB, so maybe it was also my expectation that did the trick (yet, the others thought the same way), but there were only two or three nice wines. The rest was bland, uninvolving and even ‘cheapish’. Especially both Gravitas were quite a downer (tasted all blind, so when the alu-foil got off …). Both were very closed or ‘not much’ on the nose, unbalanced, no aftertaste, lacking complexity, … . Tsk, just so depressing … .
There were two nice one’s however: Mount Vermon (an NZ) and Balland Chapuis Pouilly FumÃ©. The former one was very bright, zesty, more fuity than the typical pyrazine thing (in fact there was no “cat pee on a gooseberry bush”-one in the whole series), the latter was more vegetable like: asparagus (@vivaitalia: that’s your ‘urine smell’), green pepper, then some canteloupe rind and some pear. Nice with a little reductive touch adding some complexity. The Cotat Sancerre Monts DamnÃ©es 2005 we opened at the end made good for a lot of these plonky wines.
QOTD: Certainly Villard Sauvignon Blanc from Chili. Perfectly zesty, lime flavours, pear and honeydew, very bright, great acidity, good sructure, coolish in terroir. Just amazing. Favourite wine when I have some pike or something like that (@vivaitalia: here is your rec, no pee at all!).
C ya!

t.
June 3, 2007

vivaitalia
I’ve been drinking absolutely nothing but reds for two years straight but WLTV has got me on a white kick lately. In the last two weeks I’ve been buying tons of white wines, each one a different grape and a different region and i’ve been stunned by how much i’ve learned and how much I’ve loved them. Thanks for expanding my horizons.
June 3, 2007

Mike Erdely
Looking forward to trying the Cariblanco. Not a huge fan of whites or Sauvignon Blancs.

QOTD: Country of my favorite SB? Not sure I’m qualified to answer. I guess I’d have to say US (Cali) since that’s probably the limit of my experience. But, I’m hoping to expand that.
June 3, 2007

mikeyrad
qotd: nz, love that cat pee
June 3, 2007

Buff Daddy
QOTD:
NZ hands down. Quality to Price, off the charts. I always think of the word “steely” when I have a nice Sauv Blanc. That and green apples.
June 3, 2007

NathanN
QOTD: Not much of a doodler so I mostly drew shapes.

Thanks for cranking out the 12 episodes
June 4, 2007

Jeff
QOTD: France – without a doubt!
June 5, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Gary, I can’t get any episodes to run video just audio with a jerky video sort of playing in the background. Has anything been changed? Seems like you have been on a run of wines that you don’t really like.
June 9, 2007

chito
New Zealand, first. Recently very impressed with So. Africa.
Thanks, Gary.
al
June 11, 2007

mavlrf
June 11, 2007

Mike
New Zealand, first. France Second. S. Africa bringing up third (have to agree with Chito, they are making some nice stuff these days, must be getting ready for the WORLD CUPS crowds in 2010). I tend to like the grassy New Zealand stuff more than some of the other others.
June 11, 2007

maqvvy
June 16, 2007

JayZee
QOTD: Hands down, France is my favorite. I, too, love a good Sancerre.
July 12, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: NZ, but I need to expand to other parts of the world. Sorry about the show, hate seeing you with that look on your face after drinking multiple bad wines.
November 4, 2009

dcpatton
Great to see the Sauvignon Blancs. Try a blind tasting of them soon?

QOTD: 1. New Zealand 2. Chile