Wine lovers worldwide have been showing an increased interest in Sauvignon Blanc, from legendary palate-pleasers from Sancerre to new issues from South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States. I’m pleased to report that my column from last year, cataloging its successes and offering suggestions on the best wines available, received a First Place Award from the San Diego Press Club and its annual Excellence in Journalism Awards.

Press Club Honors

Since that column, we’ve enjoyed scores of new Sauvignon Blanc wines. Here are notes on some favorites, from $18 to $42.

  • $18 value (Costco) Martinborough, NZ 2022 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Te Muna Road Vineyard. Sharp mid-gold, low viscosity (12.5 alc.); boxwood, lime, citrus nose; low-mid acids; low-mid body; from average vintage; short easy-sipping citrus finish. 16/90.
  • Nicely evolving $19 Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc Kekerungu. Sharp mid-dark gold, light tearing (12.5 alc.); boxwood, citrus, new-mown hay, floral nose; mid+acids; mid+depth; semi-long, semi-lush citrus finish. 16/90.
  • $22 value Napa find 2023 Rutherford Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. Herbaceous, newly mown hay, lime nose; low-mid acids; mid-body; round, semi-crisp, easy-sipping Sauvignon Blanc. 16/90.
  • $24 value 2020 Domaine Riffault Sancerre Cortem à bâtis. Sharp mid-green gold; flinty, citrus, herbaceous, new-mown lawn nose; mid acids; mid-depth; balanced; long semi-lush citrus finish. w/shrimp appetizers. 16/90.
  • 2021 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière ($27, Total Wine). Mid-straw gold, viscous (13.0 alc.); herbaceous, citrus, boxwood Sauvignon Blanc nose; mid+ acids; mid-deep fruit; semi-long, balanced, stylish finish. w/shrimp. 16.5/91.
  • $29 French Sauvignon Blanc find 2023 La Raimbauderie Pale straw gold, viscous (13.0 alc.); honeysuckle, lime, flint, light herbaceous nose; low-mid acids; mid-body; good fruit; semi-long, semi-lush citrus finish. w/grilled shrimp.16/90.
  • $32 Rutherford, Calif., 2023 Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. Light-mid straw gold; boxwood, citrus nose; low-mid acids; balanced; good varietal character; semi-long, semi-crisp finish. 16/90.
  • $32 2023 Hall Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. Light-mid straw gold; light herbaceous, lime, hay nose; mid acids; good depth; long, tasty, varietal finish. 16.5./91.
  • Russian River Valley, Sonoma, 2023 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc ($38 on sale local merchant). Sharp straw gold; boxwood, hay, lime nose; mid acids; mid+ body; good varietal fruit; semi-long crisp citrus finish. 16.5/91.
  • $42 Napa 2023 Supéry Sauvignon Blanc Dollarhide Estate. Light straw gold; grapefruit, lime, slightly herbaceous nose; mid acids; mid depth; long, balanced, tasty varietal finish. 16/90.