Discovering the Best Sauvignon Blanc: Highlights from the San Francisco International Wine Competition Chris Lehoux, January 25, 2025 Here are the top Sauvignon Blanc wines from the 2024 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC), showcasing a variety of styles and expressions. Overview of Sauvignon Blanc Styles Sauvignon Blanc, a versatile white grape variety, is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity. Depending on the terroir, it produces wide-ranging profiles—from crisp and zesty to rich and complex. Cool-climate versions (e.g., Marlborough, Loire Valley) typically offer aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit, and fresh-cut grass, with high acidity and zesty citrus notes. Warm-climate wines (e.g., California, South Africa) present ripe tropical fruit aromas and a rounder mouthfeel, showcasing flavors of pineapple, mango, and peach. Oaked Sauvignon Blancs from regions like Bordeaux or Napa Valley bring creamy textures and complex fruit/spice layers. Sweet styles like those from Sauternes exhibit intense aromas of honey and dried fruits, balanced by brisk acidity. This adaptability has made Sauvignon Blanc a favorite among consumers and winemakers alike. Top Sauvignon Blanc Selections Greyrock Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – $20 The Greyrock Reserve Sauvignon Blanc hails from Marlborough, New Zealand, known for its impeccable Sauvignon Blanc production. With intense aromas of passionfruit and subtle grassy notes, it boasts a vibrant palate featuring tropical fruits and minerality. This wine pairs well with shellfish and fresh cheeses and can be cellared for a few years to enhance its flavor. Judging Panel Notes: Aromas of passionfruit, gooseberry; vibrant palate with lime and green apple; crisp, lingering finish. SIMI 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – $15 The SIMI Sauvignon Blanc offers fresh grapefruit and lime zest aromas, complemented by bright acidity. Its palate features citrus and green melon flavors with a clean, vibrant finish. Judging Panel Notes: Fresh grapefruit, lime zest; bright acidity; clean finish with persistent citrus notes. Barefoot Cellars NV Sauvignon Blanc – $6 Priced at approximately $6, the Barefoot Cellars NV Sauvignon Blanc is an incredible value wine. It has enticing aromas of melon and nectarine with a light body that includes pear and lime flavors. Judging Panel Notes: Honeydew melon, citrus; light-bodied; refreshing finish with lingering fruity notes. Sea Bird Wines 2023 Single Vineyard Wildwood Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc This yet-to-be-released wine reveals tropical fruit and lime aromas alongside a hint of jalapeño. The palate boasts lively acidity with passionfruit and kiwi flavors. Judging Panel Notes: Tropical fruits, lime; lively acidity; long, zesty finish with a mineral undertone. Jip Jip Rocks 2024 Single Vineyard Glenfife Padthaway Sauvignon Blanc – $15 Also not yet released, the Jip Jip Rocks Sauvignon Blanc presents a fragrant bouquet of grass and citrus notes, leading to a crisp palate filled with lemon and tropical fruits. Judging Panel Notes: Fresh-cut grass, asparagus; vibrant palate; clean, refreshing finish with lingering citrus notes. These wines exemplify the finest Sauvignon Blanc expressions from the 2024 SFIWC, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. For more exciting wine selections, check out links to explore other varietals such as The Top Chardonnays and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine