Sauvignon Blanc: Top 5 for Summertime Sipping

With this hot weather, I can't get enough Sauvignon Blanc!

My preferred style of Sauvignon Blanc is usually aged "sur lie", which provides a nice creaminess and slightly subdues the level of acid. I prefer to taste tropical fruit flavors and citrus notes. When a wine has descriptors such as fresh-cut grass or wet stone or racy acidity, I'm usually not a fan of it.

In case you missed my previous posts about various Sauvignon Blancs that I have particularly enjoyed, here's a recap of my favorites:

1. 2011 Captûre Tradition Sauvignon Blanc 

2. 2011 Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc

3. 2011 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc

4. 2011 Hartwell Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

5. 2010 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc

I was surprised to see that I have not previously blogged about Number #5. I have visited Whitehall Lane Winery in St. Helena several times; in fact, I enjoyed a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc ($18/bottle) last month.

Blended with 8% Semillon, it has a floral bouquet and good acidity with honeydew and citrus flavors. It's terrific with sushi. Cheers!

A very special Sauvignon Blanc

If you're participating in #SauvBlanc Day today, consider celebrating with the 2011 Captûre Tradition Sauvignon Blanc ($30/bottle).

This Sauvignon Blanc offers seductive aromas of flowers, white peach and citrus. Aged sur lie in stainless steel tanks, the palate has a soft elegance without any oak flavoring. The creamy mouthfeel is paralleled by brilliant acidity and finishes clean.

*Serve this wine a little warmer than you think you should and you'll be amazed by its tropical fruit flavors.

Delicious on its own or paired with anything from the seafood selection at Restaurant Picco where this bottle is featured on the wine list.

And a beautiful bottle it is. The story of Captûre Wines is told in the elegant design of the label. The gold embellishment represents the shape of a mountain (which is significant because the vineyards are located high on Pine Mountain in within Sonoma County); it also represents the circumflex above the 'u' in Captûre; and--if you look closely--it looks like a man and a woman embracing. The wines are made by husband and wife winemaking team (May-Britt and Denis Malbec) and founders Tara and Ben Sharp. Very clever!

Production of this remarkable wine (as well as the rest of the Captûre portfolio) remains low, at about one thousand cases. Available for purchase direct from the winery or from Stash Wines. Tastings of Captûre wines are offered at Ma(i)sonry in Yountville.

So get your hands on some and enjoy today!