Starting the year off with an old favorite

To me, Sauvignon Blanc basically falls into two categories. There’s the lighter, lemony, grapefruit- like, “easy drinking” style that I truly enjoy. Then there’s a more serious approach to Sauvignon Blanc that means far more complexity, weight, food- friendliness and intellectual stimulation. The latter category is very special and it is where you’ll find my old favorite, Girard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley. Actually, this is my most favorite California white.
Why? Because Girard Sauvignon Blanc is dry, very clean, fresh and crisp Sauvignon Blanc that is super  acidic and minerally, a wonderful rendition of a Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc.
More than thirty years after first planting its vineyards, Girard continues to produce wines
reflecting Napa Valley quality. Longtime California vintner Pat Roney purchased the winery shortly after the new millennium.  Girard’s ‘ambitiously efficient’ state-of-the-art winery, located in the Carneros district employs cutting edge energy saving initiatives
that result in a carbon neutral footprint and Sustainable Agriculture practices.
At Girard, they continue the tradition of highlighting the flavors of Napa Valley and its rich, ripe grapes.
What makes this wine my perennial favorite?
The Sauvignon Blanc is all stainless steel fermented and does not undergo malolactic fermentation. In fact, it is so light, it looks like water in the bottle and it is just as thirst quenching.
Aromatics lean towards lush citrus, ripe grapefruit, lemon zest, and fragrant, fresh and refreshing green apple and honeydew melon.Candied ginger, bright summer lemon curd and ripe grapefruit are followed by tropical notes of pineapple and guava that takes us
down the path to honeysuckle, mineral and fresh thyme.
This Sauv Blanc is full and rich from start to finish; bold, ripe fruit flavors are lasting and attractive on the palate. With little or no oak, it shows brilliant lemongrass, peach, vanilla and spice flavors. The citrus notes define themselves as lime zest with a touch of fresh-cut grapefruit and Meyer lemon. Tropical notes help round out the palate with hints of mango, guava and papaya. Bright acidity helps cleanse the palate. There is a slightly flinty and wet slate characteristic that compliments the refreshing acidity.  Ripe mango, peach and apricot flavors are smooth and elegant, but with plenty of punch from a refreshing acidity and a minerally undertow that crescendos on the lingering finish.
This is a wine that cleans and stimulates the palate, and a welcome addition to any wine
cellar. It’s a quintessential white that pairs beautifully with white meats (from fish and
shellfish to chicken and pork). The lean profile of Sauvignon Blanc also does not lend itself
well to dishes containing disproportionate amounts of butter or cream (use only with
balancing ingredients like lemon and capers, lest the wine turns unpleasantly sharp and
the dish too fatty or oily). This wine is a natural with dishes utilizing leafy green herbs
(parsley, basil, chervil and cilantro). If you drink this wine too cold, you’ll miss the nuances behind the pineapple, orange and spice flavors.
I love this wine,  it’s flat-out delicious and a perfect way for me to start my new year!