Managing editor Kim Marcus joined Wine Spectator in 1988. His tasting beats include Austria, Greece, southern France and Portugal.

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A Cool White for Spicy Cashews

Castle Rock Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Kim Marcus
Posted: October 26, 2009

I picked up some snack foods recently for a football game, including Thai lime and chile cashews. So what about a wine match for such a fiery combination?

The California Sauvignon Blanc I chose from Castle Rock Winery was just the ticket, with a minerally cast to the savory herb, green pea and citrus flavors, accented by touches of spice. The finish was clean, snappy and refreshing, given the power of the Thai spice. I rated it 87 points, non-blind.

Castle Rock, founded in 1994, is a no-frills outfit that makes wines at rented facilities throughout California, Oregon and Washington. This year it made 26 different varietal bottlings that are value-priced. The talented August “Joe” Briggs is consulting winemaker, and the fruit for the wine came entirely from California’s Lake County, one of the best appellations for value-priced Sauvignon Blancs in the state. Castle Rock’s 2008 version was a wallet-friendly $12 a bottle at my local wine shop.

WineSpectator.com members: Get our quick list of Top Values in California Sauvignon Blanc.