Long languishing in the shadow of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc – the crisp, refreshing, food-friendly wine with a citrusy, herbaceous character – is better than ever.
California
2003 Dry Creek Vineyard “Fume” Sonoma ($15)
2007 Markham Napa Valley ($17)
2008 Hanna Russian River Valley ($19)
2008 Winery at Holy Cross Abbey Reserve ($19)
2008 Sauvignon Republic Russian River Valley ($20)
2003 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve ($20)
2003 Dry Creek Vineyard Estate “Fume” DCV3 ($25)
2003 Dry Creek Vineyard Taylor’s Vineyard Musque ($25)
2007 Duckhorn Napa Valley ($27)
2007 Flora Springs Soliloquy ($27)
2003 Mayacamas Mount Veeder ($30)
2003 Grgich Hills Napa Valley “Fume” ($30)
2007 Joseph Phelps St. Helena ($32)
California Blends
2007 Hayman & Hill Interchange ($15)
2007 Beringer Alluvium ($17)
2007 Bennet Lane Maximus ($28)
New Zealand (Marlborough)
2008 New Harbor ($11)
2007 Wairu River ($19)
2008 Long Boat ($20)
2008 Matua Valley ($10)
2008 Sauvignon Republic ($20)
South Africa (Stellenbosch)
2008 Sauvignon Republic ($20)
Chile
2008 Louis Felipe Edwards Reserva ($10)
2008 Valdevieso ($10)
2008 Veramonte ($11)
2008 Casablanca Nimbus ($12)
2008 MontGras Reserva ($12)
2007 Penalolen ($12)
2008 Alcance ($15)
I first became interested in wine while I worked in numerous liquor stores during college in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the years following college, I researched, tasted, traveled to vineyards in California and Europe, participated in countless tastings. I began writing about wine in 1995 with a column in Out Front Colorado.
For me, wine is more than a drink. It is food. It is a connection to the earth. It is culture. There is just something amazing, even magical, about the transformation of grapes into wine. It is also remarkable how drinking wine with food enhances the taste and enjoyment of both. Appreciation of wine has become an integral part of my approach to life, which emphasizes balance, respect for nature, physical and emotional health, and an appreciation of our nature as social beings. In 2006, I was awarded a fellowship to the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. 
Chalk Creek in Mendocino County makes a good (an inexpensive) Sauvignon Blanc (2007) that is completely characteristic of the varietal: mineral, acidic, stone, with floral, honey & citrus aromas.
One of the most memorable came from Temecula Valley’s Palumbo Family. They made a Sauvignon Blanc, a rarity for this estate winery (primarily produces red). Perhaps it was the novelty, perhaps the food or company, but it was definitely one of my favorites.