2009 Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc

I don’t know about you kids, but I don’t trust my Sauvignon Blanc to any old country. New Zealand is the only way to go. I’ve gone from vine to vine all over this island country and while the Kim Crawford, Groth and Starborough are wonderful, I always go back to my roots. For the price, under $10 and averaging $8.99, this little monkey always delivers. Let’s start with her looks. She isn’t showy so don’t expect a circus. However, she’s not a supermodel either so don’t think she’ll just sit there. She’s subtle but glows. Meadow grass, lemon and sunshine. She’s crisp without being a tart, witty but not insulting, and she can handle herself just fine. Just ask the creepy, leering ex-father-in-law with the freshly manicured pink slap across his face. No cheeky monkeys here, boys. She knows when to hold ‘em, knows when to….well, you get the picture. Her zings are always tempered by a hint of sweetness. She smells like fresh cut grass during morning brunch. The first sip can be arresting but the bite spreads to the sides and then the back of your tongue. Makes you thirsty but quenched all at once. Take her to a nice summer barbecue, introduce her to your loved ones, be complimentary. In return, you’ll get more than you bargained for.

2009 Otto’s Constant Dream Sauvignon Blanc – $14

I was lucky enough to sample this fantastic little summer wine at an up and coming wine bar. First sip and I couldn’t help but think:  “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”. It hits you mid-tongue, tart,  like the girl who can pull it off but elongates to the back of your throat. She still feels the need to suck in her tummy when she notices you watching.

Catch the dermatologist-banned rays of high-noon-yellow-gold and go with it. Now she’s among friends, exhales and the wine expands. You suddenly remember you’re on a beach. Shake out your beach blanket bingo and start doing the twist because this one’s got sand, surf and 60′s written all over it.

2009 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc $14

Sourced, produced and bottled from the Johnson Estate in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand. The wines are certified Sustainable Wine growing and Bio-dynamic (check out what Bio-dynamic is here: http://tinyurl.com/deqqk9 ). Not a wine for aging the Winemaker suggests drinking the wine within the next 3 years.

The color is a very pale, very clear straw yellow. The nose is huge, apricots, pears, grapefruit, then dusty minerals, a very pleasing bouquet. The flavor is tart fruit upfront that transitions to soft tropical fruit. The finish is lemon/lime. A nice balance between the mild sweetness of the initial fruit and the acidity of the finish. A very tasty wine, equally at home being sipped on the back porch on a warm summer’s evening or for pairing with spicy food in your favorite Asian restaurant .

2008 Babich Sauvignon Blanc – $13

Sourced from two vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand this is not the ultra fruit forward Sauvignon Blanc that N.Z. is known for. The nose is crisp and clean, very enticing, some pineapple, some grassy aromas and a bit of a mineral smell. This would make a great aroma candle.

The taste is mellow on the fruit, muted green apple, some tropical fruit with a tart acidity on the back of the palate. The Babich is a very food friendly wine, strong enough and well structured enough to stand up to food you may not always drink white wine with. This reminds me  of the Sauvignon Blanc‘s from the Loire Valley in France. A very likable wine at a very reasonable price.