May 7, 2006

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

So today was the perfect day in San Francisco for some Sauvignon Blanc. It's finally stopped raining here and the sun is out - our long-hidden friend. Can we just say that the rain this year sucked? So we toasted Monsieur Soleil by opening a bottle of 2005 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) last night ($9.99 on sale at the local supermarket). I mentioned this wine in a blog awhile back....It was actually a bottle that a Plumpjack wine shop person recommended for Valentine's Day. I am going to go back now and try to find it. Ooops. That wine was called Fresh Oyster, so I am mixing up my oysters. There's a bad joke in there somewhere. Anyway, despite all the whining about the lack of great Sauvignon Blanc, I found this wine delightful. It's crisp, fresh and fruity. It's got a grassy nose and is tart and tang- tingly on the tongue I didn't taste gooseberry, as is noted below. I've never had a gooseberry. What IS a gooseberry? Here's one answer. Supposedly they can taste as good as any great apple or strawberry and have a taste all of their own.
I thought this wine tasted like lemon and lime and was quite mineral-filled. Partner in Tasting (PIT) likes it a lot, too. Here are a few other reviews.

2005 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (88 Points)
'Citrus skin, herbs, spices and a stony note on the nose. Firmly built and penetrating, with brisk flavors of lemon, minerals and stone. Finishes lively, firm and persistent. Very good value.'

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 2005

2005 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc: 'A bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. Well-made with great mouth-feel. Notes of gooseberry, Meyer lemon, orange peel and lime.'

Press Democrat USA (Sonoma County's home newspaper)

I give this wine two stars because it is a very solid table wine that I'd serve to any red wine snob who deigns to drink white :) Totally quaffable.