Summer Sauvignon Blanc

2009 Pouilly Fumé, Cave des Perrières négociant, around $12.99 at Trader Joe's.  Seems also to be associated with Lacheteau (who provided a nice Vouvray that was available at Trader Joe's last year), as the web address on the back label  is theirs.  A very nice example of what a Sauvignon from the Loire should be---good fruit, fairly lively acidity, a bit of grassiness or chalkiness, and a fairly elegant, balanced impression overall.  Not quite as taut or refined as some Pouilly Fumés might be, but then again, cheaper than most.  A slight "wateriness" that is not necessarily a bad thing, probably correlated to the impression of less acidity than a typical Loire SB.  Went very well with both squash blossom risotto, and pasta with pesto.  A good deal, and a wine I'd rate around, oh, say 8 on my 10 point scale that goes to 11.   Our local TJ's has moved on to the 2010, though (not tasted).

Castoro Cellars 2009 Fumé Blanc (Paso Robles, California).  Tasted at cellar temperature (and spit not swallowed), seems really excellent.  Possibly a hint of a bit of spiciness, maybe even green chile, with a balanced but very full-flavored overall impression and a long finish.  (Will update after drinking more of it.)  A relatively darker yellow than the above Pouilly, possibly correlated with the stronger flavor impression though the Pouilly is certainly not weak.  Fumé Blanc is a term (invented by Mondavi, I think) for California Sauvignon Blanc that is intended to resemble one from the Loire.  Probably around an 8.5.  Again, this is likely last year's vintage but TJ's regularly has wines from Castoro (which is a well-regarded Paso Robles winery, not some label invented for TJ's).

2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ines Winery, cheap at TJ's although this vintage may no longer be available.  This was less balanced and a bit rougher than either of the above two, but still quite drinkable, more refined and enjoyable than a random cheap California SB.  Some of it went into the squash blossom risotto.   Probably a produced-for-TJ's label, but none the worse for that.  I'm not going to rate it since it's been too long since I drank it and I didn't take notes, but it's definitely one to check out when available as an inexpensive wine suitable for either cooking or drinking.