A small portion of the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Cariblanco was barrel-fermented but the wine was entirely raised in stainless steel sur lie with batonnage. Attractive aromas of cut grass, baking spices, spring flowers, and citrus set the stage for a creamy textured, weighty Sauvignon that is likely to have more staying power than many of its peers. Well-balanced and lengthy, it is an excellent value meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years. The Kingston family owns a 300 acre hillside vineyard in cool-climate Casablanca 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 900 feet above sea level. The vineyards date from 1998 with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah planted.Importer: Kingston Family Vineyards, Portola Valley, CA; tel. (650) 854-4146

Tropical and more blunt and citric than previous vintages. At first blush, it’s borderline sheering and sharp, but with time it mellows and settles on pungent grapefruit and citrus flavors. Predominantly it’s about zest and power; not as balanced as prior bottlings. ——M.S.(12/1/2010)—— 86