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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/476437
www.cheersonline.com 53 March 2015 • (93) Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Elegant and noteworthy. This wine shines with hints of nectarine and stone. Well balanced, pleasing long fi nish. A must with food. ($35) (93) Oberon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). The wine is a brilliant pale gold in the glass. The nose is a lovely mix of tropical and citrus fruits, with a subtle fl oral hint. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, with a long, attractive fi nish. ($18) (93) Trione River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). A delicious white, loaded with complex citrus and tropical fruit notes. Long, elegant and beautifully balanced. ($25) (93) Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). Crisp and delightful with a good balance of grapefruit and lime. The fi nish is gratifying and allows it to work well with linguine and clams in a white broth. ($18) (92) Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Looking at the wine in the glass, it is a brilliant straw with subtle green hints. The nose is dominated by citrus, with some stone fruit and spice. The palate is bright, clean, and echoes the nose. The fi nish is quite long, with a lovely aftertaste. ($17) (92) Grgich Hills Fume Banc 2012 (California). A taste profi le of white peach- es, dried apricots, Meyer lemon and tone of minerality. Framed by toasty oak and vanilla from the French oak fermentation. A treat with shellfi sh. ($28) (92) Regis Minet Pouilly Fume V.V. 2013 (France). This has a very intriguing nose reminiscent of a Mosel riesling, exhibiting white fl owers, wet slate and unripe nectarine. The palate transports you to the Loire; showing more typical lime, lemon verbena, chalk and mouthwatering salinity. Beautifully balanced. ($25) (92) Smythe & Renfi eld Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (New Zealand). Alluring notes of fresh-cut grapefruit, lime and citrus are matched with ripe fl avors of passion fruit and kiwis. Excellent with grilled chicken, salads and seafood. ($15) (92) Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (New Zealand). Pale gold in the glass, this is a delicious example of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Citrus fruit is accented by typical grassiness. Fresh and bright on the palate; the fi nish is long and balanced. ($19) FOUR STARS (91) 8 Rios Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (Chile). Fresh and fruit-forward, the 8 Rios Reserva is crafted by award-win- ning winemaker Rafael Urrejola. Sourced from vineyards in Leyda, this sauvignon blanc has pronounced notes of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit, which meet a textured palate and vibrant acidity on the fi nish. ($15) (91) Brancott Estate, The Original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (New Zealand). Pale straw in color with green highlights. Grapefruit and passion fruit taste with a crisp and refreshing fi nish. Good with grilled oysters, white fi sh or Mediterranean dishes. ($13) (91) Grey Rock Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2014 (New Zealand). Charming aromas and flavors of lemon, tart orange, and gooseberries; this vibrant, layered sauvignon blanc is a joy to drink all the way through to its harmonious finish. ($26) (91) Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California). A luscious wine with fl avors of peach, grapefruit and a touch of vanilla with a hint of pepper on the fi nish. ($25) (91) Hess Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Across the board, a lovely and balanced wine. Pale gold in the glass, with green notes. The nose is a mix of citrus fruit and peel, with subtle stone fruit. Plenty of weight on the palate, the taste refl ects the aromas, and fi nishes balanced and satisfying. ($22) (91) Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (California). Even-keeled and dry, while still possessing an abundance of tart fruit, the wine sports fl avors of pear, grapefruit, and ginger that all weave together in the crisp, palate-cleansing fi nish. ($20) (91) Mudhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (New Zealand). Grapefruit, mineral and grass. Lip-smacking thirst quencher. Great with goat cheese appetizers. ($13) (94) Robert Mondavi Reserve Fumé Blanc 2012 (California). This barrel-fer- mented, single-vineyard wine is a brilliant, bright gold in the glass, with plenty of notes of citrus, white peach and fl oral hints. Good weight and texture contribute to the attractive grassiness and minerality. ($50) (93) Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). The 31st vintage continues to pay homage to the classic white Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc/semillion blend and oak ag- ing. Rich and full-bodied, strong citrus notes with an underlying thread of minerality. A classic Napa Valley sauvignon with a perfect marriage of subtle grapefruit and lingering melon fl avors. The balance of acidity and fruit make for a beautiful experience. ($30)