Sauvignon Blanc

Sometimes dismissively derided as Chardonnay's weaker cousin, Sauvignon Blanc ... - Iowa City Press Citizen

This typically humble grape has always had the potential for greatness. There's evidence in Bordeaux, Sancerre, Italy's Friuli - and increasingly in New Zealand.

And of course, there has been serious California work, mostly under the guise of Fumé Blanc. Although California has often been dinged for abusing this grape in cheap, underwhelming wines, there is a new, small band of true believers.

Perhaps because it needed an image rehab, Sauvignon Blanc has become a magnet for a host of avant-garde winemaking techniques, including a typical mix of fermentation in steel and mostly old barrels, to say nothing of concrete vessels and beyond (see sfg.ly/rpJL81 ). While these are more expensive than the average bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, they are operating in far more serious territory than most.

2009 The Ojai Vineyard McGinley Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($28, 14% alcohol): Pinot maestro Adam Tolmach's lesser-known talent lies with his very serious Sauvignon Blanc, sourced for the 12th year from this parcel of shale and serpentine subsoils, now farmed organically. Tolmach believes in neutral oak barrels (but no lees stirring) to provide that rich, deep texture, which is offset by a soaring acidity. Aromas of Anaheim pepper and bay leaf, with intense lemon-peel flavors and mineral distinction. A serious effort that could stand up with the best of the Loire or Friuli.

Sauvignon Blanc: The Chronicle recommends - San Francisco Chronicle

THE horse-racing trainer Anthony Cummings is set to receive more than $1 million from the mining magnate Nathan Tinkler after the men agreed to settle their legal dispute.

Following three failed attempts at arbitration over the two-year court battle, the pair are believed to have settled their differences last week over a meal and $58 bottle of Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc.

Mr Tinkler, with an estimated fortune of $1.13 billion, asked the retailer Gerry Harvey to arrange the meeting. The three men got together at Darcy's restaurant in Paddington.

The Sydney Morning Herald understands that Cummings, seeking more than $1.2 million in unpaid fees (as well as hundreds of thousands in costs), will receive about three-quarters of that amount. But an associate of Mr Tinkler insisted last night the settlement was for substantially less. The case was scheduled for this Monday in Sydney's Supreme Court.

Horse trading over pasta, wine and legal agreement - Sydney Morning Herald

THE horse-racing trainer Anthony Cummings is set to receive more than $1 million from the mining magnate Nathan Tinkler after the men agreed to settle their legal dispute.

Following three failed attempts at arbitration over the two-year court battle, the pair are believed to have settled their differences last week over a meal and $58 bottle of Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc.

Mr Tinkler, with an estimated fortune of $1.13 billion, asked the retailer Gerry Harvey to arrange the meeting. The three men got together at Darcy's restaurant in Paddington.

The Sydney Morning Herald understands that Cummings, seeking more than $1.2 million in unpaid fees (as well as hundreds of thousands in costs), will receive about three-quarters of that amount. But an associate of Mr Tinkler insisted last night the settlement was for substantially less. The case was scheduled for this Monday in Sydney's Supreme Court.

The pasta, the wine and the $1 million - Sydney Morning Herald

Sometimes dismissively derided as Chardonnay?s weaker cousin, Sauvignon Blanc nonetheless clings to second place in terms of popularity among white wines and acres planted in California. There are more than 11,000 acres under Sauvignon Blanc in the Golden State, and Napa leads the way with about 2,500 acres. The reasons for this are manifold and range from abiding love of this French grape to knowledge that it can be a cash cow (it is prolific and cheap to vinify).

Learning from the best in Sauv Blanc - Iowa City Press Citizen