1997 Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa ($10.99)

From the cool climate of Groenkloff on South Africa’s west coast comes this terrific little Sauvignon Blanc, which is not shy about expressing the character of this grape. Stylistically, it’s midway between the classic Sauvignon Blancs of France’s Loire Valley and those of New Zealand: crisp and juicy, with something of the taste of a green apple. This is a beautiful find at the price, and it comes from one of South Africa’s up-and-coming winemakers.

Available at the Wine House, West Los Angeles; Mission Wine, Pasadena; Wine Expo, Santa Monica; Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Costa Mesa; Stafford Fine Wines, Irvine; Wine Exchange, Orange; and Wine Emporium, Lake Forest, among others.