Tonight w/ dinner (chicken) had a
Geyser Peak 2005
Sauvignon Blanc - quite inexpensive (about $9 or so) and just a CA blend, but received an */87 rating in
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - my rating would be a B/B+, i.e. pleasant wine & good value - worth a try if you like this grape.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the classic 'white grapes' - origins are in France - the 'white' wines of Bordeaux are typically a combination of this grape w/
Semillon, depending on the region (e.g. more SB in the 'dry' white wine areas vs. more
Semillon in the 'sweet' wine areas, such as Sauternes and Barsac); the other important French region is the Loire Vly, esp. in the Sancerre & Pouilly Fume regions - these latter wines can be quite enjoyable - I love the better ones, but just can't get much of a selection in North Carolina.
Of course, this grape has been grown well in the New World - great examples are in California, Washington State, South America (esp. Chile in the Casablanca Vly), New Zealand; and in addition, Australia & South Africa (just had one of the latter the other day, about $12, and excellent!). But I must say that my 'favorite' present
Sauvignon Blanc wines are emerging from New Zealand - these are absolutely delicious wines at great prices (plus shipped in HUGE volumes at least to the USA); these NZ SBs are different - fresh, tart (like green apples), and refreshing (well chilled) - not much aging potential (plus, remember that harvest time is in the spring, so many are released in the fall of the same year, e.g. I'm buying to '06 currently).
So, give these
Sauvignon Blancs a try - cheaper than often 'boring' Chardonnay, and the types of wines made are quite variable - enjoy -

