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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/476437
www.cheersonline.com 54 • March 2015 (91) Novas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (Chile). Pale gold in the glass, with green hints, the nose is driven by citrus and tropical fruits. The palate is clean and fresh, with citrus, tropical notes and a hint of spice. The fi nish is very well balanced. ($14) (91) Rutherford Ranch Sauvignon 2014 (California). A just-released 100% sauvignon blanc with stainless-steel aging. Beautiful aromas of grapefruit, lemon and watermelon. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity. ($22) (91) Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Australia). Loads of bright lime and grape- fruit notes nicely balanced by crisp acidity, with a long, lingering complex fi nish. ($23) (91) Silver Beach Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (New Zealand). Aromas of passion fruit and grapefruit with plenty of citrus and melon fl avors shining throughout. Crisp and concentrated. Works well with Asian cuisine. ($15) (91) Sonoma-Loeb Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Produced under the Chappellet label. Clean, crisp and elegant in a lighter, softer style. Citrus notes dominate and there is a subtle peach undertone. ($32) (91) Spier Sauvignon Blanc Private Collection 2014 (South Africa). A sweet perfume of tart orange, lime, and honey- suckle; on the palate an energetic acidity deposits citrus, tropical fruit and toasted almond; the interwoven fl avors linger generously on the fi nish. ($25) (91) Spier Sauvignon Blanc Vintage 2014 (South Africa). Quite aromatic with fragrances of nectarine, white fl owers, and straw; nuanced fl avors of lime and grapefruit ally with a crisp fi nish that is skillfully tinged with minerals. ($19) (91) Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (New Zealand). Classic New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Gooseberries and red grapefruit dominate the nose. Full bodied and smooth. Good acidity and balance. Rich, viscous mouthfeel. ($30) (91) Titus Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2014 (California). A bright, energetic Napa sauvignon blanc; pretty fl oral notes combine with grapefruit, lime, and citrus; a penetrat- ing crispness provides elegant balance on the impressively lengthy fi nish. ($25) (90) Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (South Africa). Pale gold in the glass, the nose is a heady mix of tropical and citrus fruits, with a hint of spice. The palate is clean, with good weight and texture. The citrus-driven fl avors linger on the long and balanced fi nish. ($25) (90) Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Washington). Affordable gem from the Pacifi c Northwest crisp, clean with just a touch of herbs. Another great choice with that plate of oysters. ($12) (90) Domaine de la Perriere Sancerre 2013 (France). Bright straw color leads to the rich and full mouth feel of white peaches, apricots and exotic fruits. Good length with a crisp backbone. Nicely paired with grilled fi sh. ($20) (90) Domaine Paul Buisse 2014 (France). From the Loire Valley, this is an elegant sauvignon blanc, with pale yellow notes in the glass. The nose and palate highlight the legance with tropical and stone fruit components. The fi nish is bright, balanced, and long. ($13) (90) Domaine Philippe Portier, Cuvee des Victoires Quincy 2013 (France). Delicate and subtle are the key descriptors here. The nose and plate are both dominated by notes of stone fruit and herbs, with a touch of tropical fruit. Clean and bright, this is well balanced and exceptionally food friendly. ($20) (90) Dry Creek Sonoma County Fumé Blanc 2013 (California). Pronounced lemon and lime aromatics stand out in the glass on the nose. On the palate, grassy notes are enhanced with zesty grapefruit and muted herbal tones. The long fi nish encourages further sipping. A rewarding white for the money. ($13) (90) Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc 2013 (California). Aromas of grapefruit and a hint of lemongrass practically leap from the glass. The palate is crisp and clean, with fl avors of citrus, apple and tropical fruits. A blend of barrel and stainless-steel fermentation add a supple creaminess to the mouthfeel and hint of oak on the fi nish. Clean and lasting fi nish; very refreshing and enjoyable. ($14-$15) (90) Galerie Naissance Sauvignon Blanc (California). Aged in stainless steel and French oak, this is a dry medium-bodied wine with honeydew melon and grapefruit the dominant fl avors. ($30) (90) Gassier Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (France). A textbook example of well-craft- ed French sauvignon blanc; it has fl avors of lime, white fl owers and a touch of minerals. A mouthwatering fi nish provides outstand- ing balance. ($19) (90) Governors Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (New Zealand). Dried apricot and honeysuckle add complexity to the passion fruit and citrus fruit fl avors. It possesses a gratifyingly crisp fi nish that is pure, clean and just plain delicious. ($17) (90) Grey Rock Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 (New Zealand). Fragrant notes of lime, pear and minerals that are reminiscent of a cool ocean breeze; it possesses delightful fl avors of citrus, passion fruit, and almonds that linger all the way through to the crisp fi nish. ($19) (90) Kenefi ck Ranch Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Extremely aromatic and perfumed, citrus and tropical fruits, nice grapefruit acidity, straw color, full mid-palate with a dancing crisp, smooth fi nish. ($26) (90) Kingston Family 'Cariblanco' Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Chile). A world-class sauvignon blanc that shows a real sense of place. This wine displays a wonderful balance of ripe citrus notes, chalky minerality and vibrant acidity that reverber- ates nicely on a long, herbaceous fi nish. ($20) (90) Les Roches Touraine Sauvignon 2013 (France). Tense, classic nose of grapefruit and fresh grass. A wake-up call for the palate with bright citrus, pineapple and just a hint of the grassiness that is in the nose. The fi nish is dry, fresh and crisp. Perfect for goat cheese and raw bar. ($16)