WHIPPET [is] Good ... Sauvignon Blanc

The question I’m most asked with incredible frequency is “So what’s your favorite wine?” Usually my response is “The one I don’t have to pay for.” But lately, perhaps mellowing with age (yeah go on say it: "like a fine wine"), I’ve changed my answer to one of complete honesty. I am totally head over heels in love with Sauvignon Blanc.

I’ve confessed this many times before and my wife is no longer jealous of the grape that has stolen my heart. It would seem an easy grape to turn into wine without destroying the integrity of the varietal, but there I would be wrong. I have had the sad experience of digesting some rather unpleasant versions of this superb grape. But when you taste a good one, I mean a really good one, you know it instantly.

Since I’m also a long time fan of Aussie wines, imagine my delight when a Sauvignon Blanc presented itself from none other than the Adelaide Hills. In fact, to be geographically precise, it came from Macclesfield, just east of Adelaide. I’m told by the U.S. importer of Longview Vineyard's Sauvignon Blanc WHIPPET Adelaide Hills 2009 that the proprietor of this winery is Duncan McGillivray, who pioneered “Two Dogs” alcoholic lemonade. Sounds rather refreshing. Sadly, I’ll probably never get to taste it for myself. But I digress, Duncan is passionate about his wines and sits on enough wine councils to clearly demonstrate that passion.

Longview refers to the amazing panorama the vineyards command, which also include a vista over the Longview Winery. But enough about the landscape, is this Sauvignon Blanc a keeper? You betcha!

The first thing I like about this wine is that the grapes were all grown in the estate’s vineyards. The second thing I like is that the grapes were hand picked. The third thing I like is the wine! The color is true Sauvignon Blanc – a light green with a yellowish straw. The bouquet is that typical tropical fruit basket, with fragrances of fruits you’d find on a small island off the South Pacific. And the taste is mesmerizing. Those tropical fruits dance on the tongue, with a clean zippiness only good Sauvignon Blanc can deliver. Did I mention how much I like Sauvignon Blanc?

Longview’s version is definitely a two glasser. Indeed, in a glass of its own. Cheers!    

Find Longview Sauvignon Blanc WHIPPET Adelaide Hills 2009 (PLCB Code: 28643; $14.99) at the Wine & Spirits Shop at 935 Old York Road.