Tasting: Sauvignon Blanc from California purchased from Whole Foods.

This afternoon we tasted 4 Sauvignon Blancs from California. This were purchased from Whole Foods and below is a full summary of the California Sauvignon Blanc Blind Tasting 🍷🌞 honoring Mother's Day, featuring Lynn and Scott, with wines tasted in blind order A–D.

🏷️ Varietal Focus: California Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc from California is known for its zesty acidity, fresh citrus and orchard fruit notes, and clean minerality. Compared to versions from Marlborough, NZ (more herbal and tropical), California styles lean toward ripe fruit (pear, apple, melon), balanced acidity, and occasional creamy textures depending on the region and winemaking.

• Sonoma/Napa expressions: More layered and elegant, sometimes showing subtle oak or creamy texture

• Central Coast: Often fruit-forward, bright, and easy-drinking

• General California: Approachable, clean, citrusy, with ripe orchard fruit tones

🍇 Tasting Results: Wines A–D

Wine A: Justin Sauvignon Blanc (Central Coast, CA)

• Vintage: 2023

• City/Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California 🇺🇸

• Price: $16.99

• Store: Whole Foods

• Tasting Notes:

  • Color: Slightly darker than others, almost like a Chardonnay

  • Aroma: Citrus, apples, pears, hints of Camembert (cheesy)

  • Palate: Creamy, not highly acidic, more Chardonnay-like

  • Finish: Long, smooth, pleasantly surprising

• Scores:

  • Lynn: 16 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Scott: 14 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Total: 30/40

• Buy Again? Both yes — Lynn for a party 🎉, Scott for a party 🥂

Wine B: La Crema Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County, CA)

• Vintage: 2023

• City/Region: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California 🇺🇸

• Price: $17.99

• Store: Whole Foods

• Tasting Notes:

  • Color: Extremely light, like water 💧

  • Aroma: Slightly funky initially, described as matchbox/grapes in a winemaking room

  • Palate: Light and creamy, balanced with lingering flavor

  • Finish: Lingering but simple

• Scores:

  • Lynn: 14 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Scott: 12 ✅ (Would buy again, but only for home use 🏡)

  • Total: 26/40

• Buy Again? Both yes — Lynn for a party 🎉, Scott only for home 📦

Wine C: Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma/Napa blend)

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: 73% Sonoma / 27% Napa County, California 🇺🇸

• Price: $22.99

• Store: Whole Foods

• Tasting Notes:

  • Aroma: Mango, pear, apple — vibrant and layered

  • Palate: Tart, refreshing, balanced acidity, more varietally classic

  • Finish: Long, elegant, sits and builds gradually

  • Overall: Described as elegant, perfect for dockside sipping ☀️⛵

• Scores:

  • Lynn: 19 🏆 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Scott: 17 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Total: 36/40

• Buy Again? Both yes — Lynn & Scott would bring to a party 🎉🥇

Wine D: Cannonball Sauvignon Blanc (California)

• Vintage: 2023

• City/Region: Healdsburg, California 🇺🇸

• Price: $13.99

• Store: Whole Foods

• Tasting Notes:

  • Aroma: Sophisticated, grapefruit and citrus tones 🍋

  • Palate: Bright acidity at the back of the tongue, builds slowly

  • Finish: Warm and lingering, clean profile

• Scores:

  • Lynn: 17 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Scott: 15 ✅ (Would buy again for a party)

  • Total: 32/40

• Buy Again? Both yes — for a party 🍾

🥇 Winning Wine: Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc

• Total Score: 36/40

• Why It Won:

  • Classic Sauvignon Blanc expression 🍏🍐🥭

  • Balanced tartness and acidity

  • Aromatic complexity

  • Elegant finish that lingered beautifully

  • Perfect for summer sipping — both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing

Winner !!!