KensWineGuide.com Tasting Panel Reviews Sauvignon Blanc

In May 2007 the KensWineGuide.com Tasting Panel decided to tackle the perfect summer grape, Sauvignon Blanc. There were 8 panelists present for this tasting. We had 3 wine entries from New Zealand, 3 from Paso Robles, CA and one entry from each of the following additional regions: Sancerre, France; Napa Valley, CA; Long Island, NY; Finger Lakes, NY; South Africa; Russian River, CA; and Mendocino, CA. 13 wines in all were tasted.

So what was the result? New Zealand came out on top with 2 wines finishing in the top 2 spots. The other New Zealand wine was not recommended. The Winner was the 2006 St. Clair ,$16, with a score of 90. This was the only wine to warrant the Very Good + grade from the panel. In second place was the 2006 Maven , $19, with a score of 89.6.

Coming in a close 3^rd was the entry from South Africa. This entry was the 2006 Mulderbosch ,$20. This wine was very well liked by the panel and scored an 89.5. South Africa has always done very well with their Sauvignon Blancs. We will be reviewing a whole slew of South African wines real soon and reporting our results to you shortly in this space. Finishing in 4^th place was an organic Sauvignon Blanc from Yorkville Cellars. The 2005 Yorkville Cellars Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc, $15, was very well received by most of the panelists and scored an 88.

In 5^th place was the entry from Sancerre, France. The 2005 Celestin Bloneau, $19, finished with a score of 87.5. Finally, the last wine that we recommended was a surprise to the tasting panel. We were very excited to recommend the 2006 Hazlitt 1852 Sauvignon Blanc from the Finger Lakes in Upstate NY. This was their first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc that they produced. Kudos on a fine effort.

The KensWineGuide.com Tasting Panel reviewed Merlot on June 22^nd. Check back soon to see the winners.

Cheers, Ken