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www.cheersonline.com 52 • March 2015 SIPS OF SUPER SAUVIGNON BLANCS We asked members of our national wine panel to review some of their favorite sauvi- gnon blancs. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're an on-premise or retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, contact editor Melissa Dowling at 203-855-8499 ext. 223 or mdowling@ specialtyim.com. FIVE STARS (97) Fiddlehead Cellars Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). A "New World" style, fermented in stainless steel and unoaked to display the beautiful aromas and fl avors characteristic of sauvignon blanc grown in the unique micro-climate of Happy Canyon. Fresh hints of peach, mango, and zest of mandarin mingle with a mineral nuance on the nose. Those tropical fl avors gently take over the palate and carry through to the fi nish where the "terroir" and crisp, lively acidity make you smack your lips. New World, yes, but reminiscent of pouilly-fumé or sancerre. This is a must try for the connoisseur of sauvignon blanc. ($35) (95) Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing, fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemongrass gets your attention. On the palate, you'll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The fi nish is long and not- quite dry. A simply lovely style. ($15) (95) J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard 2013 (California). Named for Mr. Lohr's wife Carol, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer research. Classic Napa fruit, with a creamy texture and a perfume nose that offers up robust citrus hints. Rich and powerful with a ingering fi nish. ($28) RATING SYSTEM (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. (86-91 points) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, which many consumers will enjoy. PHOTO CREDIT: © ISTOCK.COM / MARKSWALLOW (95) La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon 2013 (France). Lush aromas and fl avors of honeydew, pineapple and grapefruit abound with lively, refreshing acidity on the lengthy fi nish. On the very end, a note of fl int shows up in a most delightful way. This wine has many characteristics of good sancerre, and is more affordable. ($20) (95) Yvon Mau Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (France). A 100% varietal wine with aromas and fl avors of tropical fruits and citrus. Racy, crisp, and dry on the fi nish with a hint of minerality. Also an excellent value. ($12) (94) Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013 (California). Crisp, bright acidity balances the surpris- ingly lush and welcoming full mid-palate in this straw-pale gem. Melon and apricot offset the citrus notes, making this a fi ne accompaniment to steamed bivalves or delicate seafood dishes. ($13) (94) Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Bright pale gold in the glass, the nose is a beautiful mix for tropical and citrus fruits, with a touch of the variety's signature grassiness. A long, balanced fi nish confi rms the wine's quality. ($26) (93) Loveblock Sauvignon Marlborough 2013 (New Zealand). This new effort from Kim Crawford's hilltop vineyards has a welcoming appeal. It is not the one-note, citrus/grapefruit style that pervades New Zealand sauvignon blancs, but rather a lush, aromatic quaff with notes of passion fruit, peach and mandarin orange. A perfect accompaniment to Thai dishes, sushi and soft-shell crabs. ($24)