Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!   Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite warm weather wines, and I usually like the New Zealand style but after trying Honig’s Sauvignon Blanc at their winery I knew I had to do a write-up on it.   This Sauvignon Blanc has a tropical nose and reminds me of the beach!   I love that I smell melon on the nose as well.   The midpalate is ripe and citrusy -similar to eating a pineapple- and the finish has amazing minerality and acidity.   I love that the finish had nice acidity yet wasn’t overly tart.   This is the ultimate summer wine.   Delicious and refreshing…   if you don’t open a bottle of this awesome Sauvignon Blanc this summer you’re missing out!

$16/bottle

GRAND SLAM!

I had a great weekend pouring wine for an open house for John Harrison Photography.   Check out his work at http://www.jharrisonphoto.com, John’s photos are amazing and remind me of what a beautiful state I am living in.   

I picked out some of the wines that I’ve blogged before and really enjoyed, including the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc, Zmor Gewurztraminer, Main & Geary Zinfandel, and the Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel.  In addition, I poured the 2009 Meiomi (Belle Glos) Pinot Noir, La Crema Pinot Noir and Flip Flop Riesling.    

The Meiomi Pinot Noir was definitely a huge hit, with its gorgeous coastal fruit.   The $19.99 price tag is an absolute steal for this fabulous Pinot!

The Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc was definitely very well received as well, with its racy acidity, fresh cut grass “spring” scent and delicious grapefruit notes.   People were really surprised that 4 bottles of wine could fit into one compact Octavin package!  Be sure to pick this one up for your summer BBQ’s, you can’t beat the value.

The Main & Geary was pouring very well, with its big berry fruit and peppery finish.   It was pairing deliciously with the Belgian truffles I was sampling from Truffle Gateau (www.truffleg.com)!

The Flipflop Riesling is refreshing and well… beachy!   Or it would be a great poolside companion as well!   This wine is delicious, ripe and refreshing.   And like the Pinot Noir…  I can’t resist the cute flip flops on the label                                                                   

Wow, so I’ve been trying lots of fruit bombs lately and this one is no different!   Well, it is to be expected when the wine contains 50% Shiraz  :-)   Usually Shiraz would be called Syrah in a CA wine (they are the same grape) but anyway…   this wine smells bold, candy-esque and flamboyant.   The nose is a bit obnoxious and in-your-face!   If this wine was a person, she would be screaming “Look at me!   Look at me!”   Very ripe berries and spices.   The mouthfeel is slightly sweet and has that candy component, and the finish is full and ripe.   I would describe this wine as fun, a party in a bottle!

$14.99/bottle at www.wineinsiders.com – Double

Do you like Clif bars?   I know I do, especially the chocolate peanut one  :-)  Well, The Climber is a red blend brought to us by the same people who make the ultimate hiking snack.   And speaking of hiking, the nose on this wine reminded me of those blackberries you pick on the side of the trail!   Very ripe berry nose, slight spicy midpalate and a tart, fruity finish.   This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petite Sirah.   Definitely fruit forward, with acidity to stand up to cheeses and grilled meats/veggies.

$14/bottle

Double