"The handful of really successful Touraine Sauvignons are more delicious and interesting than 75% or more of what's grown in Sancerre, but cost half as much (and they can chase the growers of Marlborough around the globe as well)."-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

No white wine says Summer like Sauvignon Blanc and the world's greatest hail from France's Loire Valley. Its Sancerre and Pouilly Fume only allow SB to be grown within their boundaries and the wines are tremendous. New Zealand and South Africa, high-profile Sauvignon Blanc regions in their own right, seek to emulate those from the Loire. We love Sancerre's classic, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. And we've loved NZ's Cloudy Bay all the way from $17 to $48. Price bracket creep has reared its head, so we've done our homework to remedy the situation. We zeroed in on 2009 vintage, the year many Loire vignerons say is their greatest since 1947. 2009 Domaine Saint Roch Touraine is our perfect find. Refreshing, classic gooseberry/lime/fresh-cut grass nose with a sophisticated restraint of bouquet that must be sought out and rewards doing so. Fresh mouthfeel; the bracing acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc citrus attack breaks up the palate where gorgeous Loire fruit is very much to be found. The surprising finish is a lovely, mellow back end for a wine so alive in the mouth. Touraine's flinty soils are just twenty-five miles from Sancerre but our price of $16.99 for this beautiful Sauvignon Blanc is a far cry from the price neighborhood of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume these days. And New Zealand SB buyers will definitely find 2009 Domaine Saint Roch elegant, refreshing, well-priced and perfect for a hot summer day.

Light goldenrod colour. Restrained bouquet of gooseberry, lime and newly mown grass is refreshing and classic Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh citrus attack on the palate shows exhilarating acidity to complement delicious 2009 Loire Valley fruit. Yet the finish is mellow, even rounded, for a wine so alive in the mouth. Shellfish, smoked salmon, chicken, sushi, Cobb and Caesar salad, fresh cut fruit are all perfect pairings.