2001 De Sante Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
The perfume of this Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t carry a whiff of Sancerre’s classic pungency. It doesn’t smell California grassy, either. Its scent is more what you’d get if you pressed your nose up to the skin of a grapefruit -- citrusy with a backbeat of bitter.
De Sante makes serious Sauvignon Blanc, intense in fruit with a strong spine of acidity and a lovely lime aftertaste. And for a California Sauvignon Blanc, it’s refreshingly dry -- all the better for pairing with food. Of course, you can never go wrong with goat cheese.
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Quick swirl
Region: Napa Valley
Price: About $17
Style: Dry and crisp California Sauvignon Blanc
Food it goes with: Scallops, smoked salmon or goat cheese.
Where you’ll find it: Foothill Wine & Spirits in La Canada Flintridge, (818) 952-4084; John & Pete’s Liquor in West Hollywood, (310) 657-3080; Liquid Wine and Spirits in Chatsworth, (818) 709-5019 and Vintage Wines Limited in San Diego, (858) 549-2112.