10 Sassy Sauvignons for Spring

But it's more than being just white that makes sauvignon blanc so attractive. When it's grown on a cool site and handled in a specific manner sauvignon delivers big flavour in the glass. And it's the strong flavour elements that should attract red wine drinkers (already used to big flavours) back to the white wine camp and sauvignon in particular.

91 Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2002
Napa Valley, California, United States
AB $23.00 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $29.99 Specialty; NS $35.65; ON $24.95 Vintages Essentials Collection; QC $29.20
Finely-tuned barrel fermentation and aging contribute to the creamy yet elegant styling of this fresh citrus scented white. A slightly smoky mineral flavour streaked with creamy grapefruit/pineapple and green apple skin makes for a very impressive effort. After a bit of a down turn in the 90s this wine is back in a big way.

91 St. Supéry Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Napa Valley, California, United States
BC $26.70
Not your average California sauvignon or even above average this is great. Winemaker Michael Beaulac gets it when it comes to fresh, zippy sauvignon and the 2004 maybe the best yet. Look for all the right signs here: green lime, kiwi grapefruit and a dusting of gooseberry. Long and stylish but with a clean crisp finish. Very fine.

90 Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2003
Sonoma County, California, United States
AB $17.99 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $24.99 Specialty; ON $18.95
Impressive fresh gooseberry, kiwi, grapefruit rind nose streaked with floral, mineral honey and smoke. On the palate it is medium-bodied, round and elegant with clean buttery, mineral, ripe kiwi, grapefruit, green melon and passion fruit flavours. The finish is long with stony, mineral, passion fruit and citrus flavours. Classy, attractive style with finesse. Good value here.

90 Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia
AB $25.00 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $29.95 Speculative - Winspeer International Group
There's more to Oz than big brand wines as evidenced by the Shaw and Smith wines. Look for a gooseberry, grapefruit rind, mineral, floral, kiwi nose and a dry, round, elegant style. The intense flavours of gooseberry, grapefruit rind mix with a chalky texture and a crisp smoky undercurrent that finishes slightly grassy with green melon fruit. Stylish and fresh with a long, citrus aftertaste. Well done. Sold at Kits Wine Cellar, Divino's Quayside and Liberty Point Grey. The 2004 version arrives in March in screw cap.

89 Benziger Fumé Blanc 2003
North Coast, California, United States
AB $22.50 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $24.95 Specialty
Lovely bright citrus notes mix with melon, grapefruit, and smoky slate. Similar flavours mark the palate with grapefruit, kiwi and buttery green apples predominating. Rich textures, deft use of oak and a long finish make this a delight to sip. Very consistent from year to year.

89 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2003
Sonoma County, California, United States
AB $20.50 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $26.99 Specialty
Smoky, mineral, honey, jalapeno with leesy / gooseberry notes. Rich and dry it is slightly oily on the palate with crisp acidity. Very smoky (fumée), mineral/garlic lees flavours with honey, vanilla, dried fig and grassy, gooseberry notes. A well-made, intense sauvignon for the discerning.

89 Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
BC $19.95
Classic fresh grapefruit, canned asparagus, smoky jalapeno nose with gooseberry undercurrents. It has a round, full, delicate palate with mineral, smoky asparagus, grassy, gooseberry flavours. The finish is clean and crisp with enough finesse to keep you sipping. Stylish.

89 Sacred Hill Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc 2004
New Zealand
Alberta $15.75; BC $19.95 Specialty; ON $14.65
Smoky, flinty, guava, green melon, grapefruit aromas with a floral, grassy undertone. Ripe, round, elegant palate with some richness. Good acidity with more grapefruit, mineral, smoky green apple and guava fruit flavours. A classy elegant sauvignon with good intensity and a touch of jalapeno on the finish.

89 Vina Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
BC $17.95 Specialty
Big smoky, canned jalapeno, gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit aromas with a flinty, green apple note. Crisp, dry, round entry with smoky bell pepper, grapefruit juice, mineral, granny smith flavours and a gooseberry, green melon finish. Very sauvignon, good intensity but a bit more aggressive style.

88 Markham Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Napa Valley, California, United States
AB $24.00 Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $27.95 Specialty
Stylish nose of kiwi and melon with a streak of honey. The entry is soft and round but vibrant with dry grassy grapefruit rind and honey flavours. A benchmark Napa sauvignon that is solid from front to back.