2004 Dry Creek Vineyard, DCV3, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: Like an afternoon snooze in a hayloft, this pale yellow wine was refreshing and enjoyable.  Aromas of cut grass, green bell pepper, tropical fruit, cantaloupe and chalk were relatively strong.  Fruit flavors dominated, with prominent grapefruit followed by Granny Smith apple, pineapple and passion fruit.
Food Friendliness: Try a slightly oily fish; salmon, anyone?

$25 Average Value

2004 Dry Creek Vineyard, Taylor’s Vineyard Musqé, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: This yellow wine stood on long legs and tickled panelists’ noses with whiffs of candied lemon, dusty grapefruit, wet laundry and white wildflowers.  Flavors of apricot, grapefruit, grass and clove were “silky but a little hot” and “cleansed the palate.”
Food Friendliness: Enjoy on its own or with veal piccata.

$25 Average Value

2003 Trentadue Winery, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: Whiffs of grapefruit, pineapple and dust swirled forth from this pale yellow wine. A blend of peach, honey, vanilla, pineapple and mineral flavors swooshed through tasters’ mouths with a “light touch of astringency.” The finish was crisp, clean and silky, fading from lemon to pepper.
Food Friendliness: Though wonderful by itself, this wine would pair nicely with poultry, fish or seafood.

$13 Exceptional Value

2003 Alderbrook, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: Intriguing waves of gooseberry, Swiss cheese, unripe orange and vegetal aromas sailed out of this pale yellow wine.  Tart apple, lemon-lime, melon and soft spice flavors were vibrant and well balanced with a bit of alcohol heat on the back end.  The finish was silky and slightly exotic, if a little sweet.
Food Friendliness: Food minimized this wine’s harsher qualities, but spicy dishes might overwhelm it. Consider oysters on the half-shell.

$18 Above Average Value

2004 Pedroncelli, East Side Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: This pale yellow wine smelled as crisp and clean as an ocean breeze.  Panelists detected honey, stone fruit and yeast aromas billowing in the background.  Pleasant flavors of sugar cookie, lemon candy, oregano and peach were slightly overpowered by citric acidity.  The acidic finish was crisp and lingering.
Food Friendliness: This wine was best on its own, as food tended to bring out a sour note.

$10 Exceptional Value

2004 Champions Select, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: This light yellow wine had a hint of sediment.  After aggressively pushing lemon, gardenia, cut grass and yeast aromas from the glass, the wine’s delicate flavors of lemon, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and green pepper were too light. The acidic bite faded smoothly, lingering on citrus.
Food Friendliness: A robust cheese course or pasta with feta and green olives would suit this wine well.

$19 Above Average Value

2004 Lake Sonoma Winery, Fumé Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: This bright, shiny yellow wine “looked good” and appeared “inviting,” noted tasters.  Aromas of tropical fruits, green grass and vanilla were appealing. Flavors of honey, peach, grapefruit and mango were “a bit young with a harsh edge,” suggesting that additional bottle time might benefit this wine.  Tangy and well balanced, the finish faded faster than expected on a pepper note.
Food Friendliness: Match this one with roasted pork tenderloin topped with mango chutney.

$16 Average Value

2004 Lambert Bridge, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: Gold with hints green, this luminescent medium- bodied wine wafted aromas of tropical fruit, honey and oak.  Complex aromas of gooseberry, papaya, coconut, cinnamon and melon were “interesting and a little surprising,” noted one panelist.  Smooth tropical fruit flavors faded slowly into spice notes that “really held on.”
Food Friendliness: Tasters noted this versatile wine is smooth enough to serve alone, but it doesn’t miss a beat with food.

$16 Average Value

2003 Pedroncelli Winery, East Side Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County)
Summary: This light golden wine smelled like under-ripe gooseberry and tart green pear.  Yeast, under-ripe peach and kiwi flavors were present.  The full and slightly oily mouthfeel finished with an acidic bite.
Food Friendliness: This wine was a bit harsh with simple foods; it might fare better with grilled fish, pork or chicken serves with a rich sauce.

$12 Average Value

2003 Quivira, Fig Tree Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Summary: Crisp and reflective, this pale golden wine exuded scents of lime, honeydew and artichoke with a floral hint.  Panelists described the lemon, vanilla, honey and apple-pie flavors as “adequately round.” The “soft mouthfeel” faded to a “pleasant acidic tingle.”
Food Friendliness: Pair with simple herbed chicken.

$16 Average Value