Following up on the 2009 “vintage of the century” theme, it’s very worthwhile to try the early arriving wines from the 2009 vintage. New Zealand was blessed with an excellent growing season and these early arriving Sauvignon Blancs show great appeal. They are fresh, clean and crisp and generally exhibit some combination of citrus, floral, herbal and grassy nuances. They match very well with summer fare of fish and salads and as a starter wine with hors d’oeuvres. Also, there are many other 2009 white wines that are inexpensive and offer really great value for the money. Check out the Pinot Grigios and an unusual, but really delicious Spanish white wine.

2009 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

Light yellow color, perfumed nose, faintly grassy.Round, fruity, faintly grassy — very nice.Imported by Icon Estates, Rutherford, CA. $12.99

King Shag Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Very light yellow color, perfumed nose of citrus, with a touch of herbs.Rounded, flavorful, with citrus and herbal nuances – very nice.Imported by American Beverage Group, San Clemente, CA.$6.99

Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

Pale yellow color, lovely perfume of grapefruit with faint floral nuances.Rounded, grapefruit-tinged flavor, crisp finish – lovely.Imported by L. Watson Inc, City of Industry, CA.$7.99

Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

Pale yellow color, lovely perfume, faint herbal tone and grapefruit.Crisp grapefruit-tinged flavor, with a hint of herbaceousness, long crisp finish, lovely Sauvignon Blanc, balanced, flavorful and crisp.A lovely Sauvignon Blanc, with character and flavor.Imported by Sauvignon Republic, Healdsburg, CA.$6.99 Best Buy

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Cellar Selection New Zealand

Pale yellow color, lovely perfume, touch of grapefruit and citrus, with a faint grassiness.Finesseful, elegant, touch of melon, grapefruit, hint of grassiness, clean, crisp finish.Lovely and delicious, this is a classic Sauvignon Blanc.Imported by Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL.$13.99 Best Buy

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

Pale yellow color, lovely perfume of floral, citrus, mineral and grapefruit notes.Flavorful but with finesse, hinting of melon, grapefruit and a touch of grassiness. This is a really lovely Sauvignon Blanc.Imported by Whitehaven Wine Company, Hayward, CA.$13.69

Inexpensive 2009 White Wines

Chile

Vinas Chilenas Trader Joe’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Valle Central Chile

Pale yellow color, subdued nose, faintly perfumed.Light, fresh, clean, hinting of citrus with a faint floral note, not a lot to this wine, but what is there is clean, fresh and crisp and it’s $2.99!!Should this be called 3 Buck Chilenas?

Italy

Contadino Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Italia

Pale yellow color with a very faint golden hue, nice perfume of floral nuances.Light, delicate, clean, fresh and round, with floral notes and a faint hint of spice.Nice fruit, light but clean and a great bargain.Imported by Santini Fine Wines, San Lorenzo, CA.$3.99

Villa Borgetti Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Italia

Pale yellow color, faint golden hue, lovely perfume, faintly floral.Soft, round, lovely, delicate fruit of apple and pear with a faint floral nuance – lovely.Imported by American Beverage Group, San Clemente, CA.$4.99Best Buy

Spain

Condesa de Sarabella Viura Calatayud D.O.C.

This wine is made from grapes grown on ancient low-yield Viura bush vines planted in the Calatayuna region high in the mountains of northern Spain.Pale yellow in color, lovely floral perfume, showing faint tropical nuances, with lovely fruit, the wine is round and elegant, with floral nuances, hinting of pear and just a kiss of spice.The crisp finish is a very nice complement to the fruit.A lovely wine and a great bargain.! Imported by Evaki, Inc., San Luis Obispo, CA.$4.99 Best Buy