Beth Novak Milliken, Spottswoode Vineyard & Winery

“A 1992 Chavignol ‘Le Grande Co^te’ produced by Paul Cotat. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Its appellation is Sancerre. Since we make Sauvignon Blanc, we like to try them from other parts of the world. This is a delicious wine. It’s quite different from Californian Sauvignon Blancs, though--a different rendition of the same grape. . . . In California, we tend toward more fruit-driven Sauvignon Blancs, whereas those from the Loire Valley tend to be a bit more minerally and higher in acid. . . . This wine has more limestone, more lemony characteristics--good minerals. It’s really enjoyable and fresh. It has more earthy flavors than upfront fruit. I had it with Dungeness crab salad that had a tiny bit of saffron in the sauce.”