California Sauvignon Blanc: Better-balance means good wines at reasonable prices from all over the state

e-mail

View the entire table of contents
for the Jan. 31, 1996 issue

See Also
In Good Spirits: All you ever wanted to know about top-of-the-line Bourbon, Scotch, vodka, gin and Cognac
When It's Good to Have Picky Friends
Tops in Texas: After an 18-month hiatus, Tony's in Houston has reopened with old favorites and modern touches
Tasting Tawny Port: Challenging to make, wonderful to drink after the meal
Don't Forget 1993 Bordeaux: A good year for Bordeaux, especially in Pomerol and St.-Emilion, and not too expensive
Harvest Report: First Look at 1995 Vintage
South Africa: Revolutionary changes in government are reflected in dramatically good new wines
Tuscany: A scattering of unimpressive vintages is redeemed by superb Brunello di Montalcino
Australia: Shiraz, Chardonnay and now Cabernet are exploding onto the American scene
California Cabernet Sauvignon: The Fishing is Very Good, With Three Fine Vintages Waiting To Be Caught
Red Burgundy: The best winemakers showed their skill by outwitting Mother Nature in 1993
California Zinfandel: A surprisingly good 1993 vintage yielded pure, balanced wines and new entries
Vintage Port: The most aristocratic Ports are back in a big way, with great wines from '91 and '92
Piedmont: Fruity Dolcetto and hearty Barbera fill in for Barolo and Barbaresco
Spain: An outstanding Year for red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorato
South America: A horse race for high quality in Chile and a champion from Argentina
Washington & Oregon: Small volume equals high quality in Washington; Pinot Noir is Oregon's leader
White Burgundy: The two current vintages are good, but we prefer ripe-tasting 1994s over 1993s
California Chardonnay: Great choices from three vintages--1992, 1993 and 1994--make the shopping easy
California Merlot: With the supple 1992 vintage to buy, and new stars to watch, it was a good year
Rhone Valley: As the home for hearty reds endures so-so vintages, look for values, not collectibles
California Pinot Noir: 1993 was good, not great, but be ready for better 1994s coming early this year
Bordeaux: 1992 offered little to cheer about, making the soon-to-arrive 1993s look good

Issue: January 31, 1996

January 31, 1996 Wine Spectator Yearbook California Sauvignon Blanc Better-balance means good wines at reasonable prices from all over the state By Harvey Steiman People who get passionate about Sauvignon Blanc love those grassy, herbal flavors, that bracing tang of citrusy acidity and all-out flavor assault that characterize the top Sancerres of France and Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand.

For the full article, check out the new issue of Wine Spectator, on newsstands January 31, 1996.

To continue reading this page, become a WineSpectator.com member today!

Do you have a Wine Spectator magazine subscription? Save 50% on your Online Membership right now!