Ron’s Wine Pick “Wine of the Summer”

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($9)

Years ago, when I tasted my first sauvignon blanc, it was so diametrically opposite from the chardonnays I had become accustom, that my palette rebelled at the exotic flavors and bold acidity. I didn’t like it much. I had been on the lookout for new whites to take the place of the flabby, over-manipulated and over-oaked chards that were the rage at the time. But as I began to try more sauvignon blancs the more my palette began to enjoy the bold new flavors and acidic crispness. Although I still don’t care for the extremes of the varietal, it has become one of my favorite white wines.

My wine of the summer pick is a wonderful example of sauvignon blanc. Geyser Peak has produced a very affordable wine that is supremely approachable. It has the trademark tropical fruit flavors along with hints of lime and honeydew melon. The wine has perfectly balanced crisp acidity that gives if a clean and refreshing finish. Complementing the acidity is just a hint of butterscotch-honey creaminess that a makes the wine so easy to drink. If you haven’t tried a sauvignon blanc, this is the one that will make you fall in love the varietal.