Fav Country for Sav Blanc: France and New Zealand for value

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.

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

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

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

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.

QOTD: the only I drink SB is when I use it for steamed mussels or making risotto.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

QOTD, New Zealand.

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.

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

Hi Gary,
For California SB, try Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2004. It’s explosive and gorgeous!
Cheers!
==
Eduardo (out of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil)

New Zealand is very good, but France is romance.

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.

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

QOTD: France even if this Sancerre didn’t come through.

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

QOTD – NZ for sure

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.

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