The short “heat wave” we just had in San Francisco inspired me to begin stocking up on white wines for upcoming Summer parties, bbqs and lazy weekends at the beach. Like many of you, I prefer not to go over the $30 range for my every day drinking whites, especially if I’m unable to taste them in advance or solicit an opinion from a trusted friend. Luckily, one of the perks of working for a wine retailer is the ability to try some pretty fascinating wines before I purchase them. The other perk—one which any Vinfolio customer can take advantage of—is having access to the opinions of some very skilled wine experts, including Vinfolio’s Executive Wine Specialists and our Wine Buying Team. Recently tasted whites I’ve gone on to purchase, range from bright, crisp, nicely balanced Sauvignon Blancs to big buttery mouth pleasing Chardonnays.
Below are just some of the wines I’ve tasted and purchased recently. I think there’s something here for just about everyone.
Source Sauvignon Blanc (VF 90) – A great value, sold by the case for $178.95, which comes out to about $15 a bottle. I purchased this for a recent birthday party and it was a big hit. Bright, fruity and crisp, the perfect wine with grilled fish or chicken on a hot day.
2007 Margerum - Sauvignon Blanc Sybarite (IWC 90) – Very different from the Source, this has a fuller body and while still crisp, the acidity is more integrated. It paired wonderfully with pasta and chicken in a pesto sauce.
2005 Hobbs, Paul - Chardonnay Russian River Valley (WS 89) – This is a big Chard that I don’t usually gravitate toward, but I went back to it a day later and it had really softened up. It’s definitely in a buttery, oaky style, so I’d pair it with a nice grilled salmon served in a butter and dill cream sauce, with a slight hint of lemon and capers for balance. And yes, while it’s over my personal $30 rule, I’d still purchase and recommend it.
2004 Kumeu River - Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard (WS 93) – This was a real surprise and a real treat. When I first put my nose to it, the bouquet was reminiscent of an oaky, buttery California Chardonnay, but on the palate—to my extreme surprise—it had all the characteristics of Chablis. Needless to say, it put a smile on my face. I haven’t paired it with food yet, but the bright acidity and medium body tells me this is definitely a food wine—probably best paired with a seafood pasta in a light white wine and cream sauce.
Enjoy exploring these and all the other great Summer whites that you can get your hands on.
