2007 BV Coastal Estates, Sauvignon Blanc, California
13.5% alcohol
Pungent nose bordering on ammonia scent. On the palate, close to vinegary, such as an apple cider vinegar. Not unpleasant, but I found it less appealing than the Nobilo S.B. below or a Crossings S. B., also from New Zealand, that I tasted recently. Somewhat improved on the second night. I had it with a baked chicken in wine sauce with artichoke bottoms and mushrooms and sage and thyme seasoning and a little lemon rind. I used some of the wine in the sauce and it turned out well.
2007 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Regional Collection (Marlborough, New Zealand)
12.5% alcohol
Lemony nose; lemon and grapefruit flavors. Some gooseberry? Plenty of acid--crisp, tart, and refreshing.
(I picked up the BV Coastal Estates at the grocery store because I wanted to sample a couple wines from "Wine Enthusiast's" list of Top 100 Best Buys of 2008: value wines. The other I purchased is a Bonterra Chardonnay which I have not yet opened.)