The California-Australia Wine Shootout™

Sauvignon Blanc

Geyser Peak Winery 2003 Block Collection River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, California, $19.00
1500 cases produced

This wine is brilliant and star bright, pale yellow The nose is grassy and floral. The palate is complex with vanilla cream, elegant pineapple, and grapefruit giving way to bigger brighter fruit notes and citrus green apple. The full mouthfeel coats the palate and finishes clean and tangy. Yummy!

(93)

Parducci 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California, $7.99
10, 000 cases produced

Pineapple, floral, citrus, a slight grassiness, and mineral/earthy aromas replicate on the palate with additions of honey and pear flavors. Bright acid and a good long finish make this wine a winner!

(91)

Barefoot Reserve 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, California, $12.99
790 cases produced

Clear, pale yellow. Elegant but light aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and floral vanilla. Grapefruit flavors throughout with pineapple and vanilla notes added mid-palate. Clean with crisp acidity.

(89)

Brassfield Estate Vineyards 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Clear Lake, California, $14.99
4,200 cases produced

The wine is crystal clear with a pale yellow color. The nose is somewhat closed with slight hints grapefruit, white peach, kiwi, and herbs. The flavors develop mid-palate with the same profile as the nose continuing through the finish. The lingering finish displays high acid and a bit of heat. Good acid and fruit structure.

(89)

Rodney Strong Vineyard 2003 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, Northern Sonoma County, California, $12.00
28,130 cases produced

An open and expressive wine with a lovely personality. White peach and tropical fruit accented by earth and wood. More acid would elevate this wine to another level.

(89)

Guenoc 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California, $13.50
5,336 cases produced

Vanilla and cream soda on the nose. Nice and tangy in the mouth.

(86)

Marquee 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide, South Australia, $15.00
250 cases produced

Crisp mouth entry of guava and other exotic fruit with lots of acid on the finish.

(86)

Baileyana 2003 Paragon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley, $13.00
5,016 cases produced

The nose is smoky. The mouth is medium-weight with nice lemon flavors with lemon peel on the finish.

(85)

Burlwood 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, California, $7.99
25,000 cases produced

Light lime candied nose with a slight grassiness in the background. Tangy lime in the mouth and a touch of oak on the finish.

(85)

Reynolds Reserve 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
3,200 cases produced

Clear and pale yellow in color. A traditional style Sauvignon Blanc with grassy notes and grapefruit in the nose and mouth. Nice acidity on the long finish

(85)

Pellegrini 2003 Leveroni Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, $14.00
615 cases produced

A nice and pleasant wine with toasty oak overtones

(84)

Catacula Lake Winery 2001 Sauvignon Blanc, Chiles Valley, California, $11.00
386 cases produced

The oak in this Sauvignon Blanc overpowers the delicate citrus fruit.

(83)

Katnook Estate 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Coonawarra, Australia, $15.00

Lots of bell pepper and asparagus in the nose. Lemon in the mouth and lemon peel on the finish.

(82)