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The 2023 International Sauvignon Blanc Challenge was recently held in San Francisco, California. This is one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world and was judged by a panel of 50 wine experts from around the world, and the top 10 wines were awarded gold medals.
Here are the winning wines:
1. Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Asteroide 2008
The Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Asteroide 2008 is a white wine from the Loire Valley in France. It is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and is known for its intense flavours of grapefruit, lemon, and minerality. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months, and is typically released after 5 years of ageing. The Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Asteroide 2008 is a highly rated wine, and is considered to be one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world.
2. Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2013
The prestigious Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2013 is a remarkable white wine from Bordeaux, France. A Sauvignon Blanc-dominant blend with Semillon, it showcases the cool 2013 vintage. Vinified and aged in French oak, expect a pale yellow wine with citrus, floral, and mineral aromas. It has been praised by critics for its complexity, elegance, and freshness.
3. Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore 2008
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Néore 2008 is a notable wine from the Sancerre region. This Sauvignon Blanc is highly regarded. The 2008 vintage showcases the wine's distinct character with vibrant acidity, minerality, and expressive aromatics. With ageing potential, it offers complexity and a long-lasting finish.
4. Dana Estates Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2015
This Sauvignon Blanc is a stunning wine from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley. Made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the cool Hershey Vineyard, it offers a full-bodied profile. Aromas of grapefruit, passionfruit, and white flowers lead to a rich, creamy palate with citrus, tropical fruit, and minerality. Perfect with grilled seafood, chicken, pork, or cheeses.
5. Melka 'Mekerra' White 2016
The 2016 Melka 'Mekerra' White, a Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle blend, hails from Knights Valley AVA, California. With grapefruit, passionfruit, and white flower aromas, it's full-bodied and creamy on the palate, offering citrus, tropical fruit, and minerality. Crafted by renowned winemaker Philippe Melka, this limited-production wine is perfect for savouring alone or pairing with food.
6. Didier Dagueneau Sancerre 'Le Mont Damne' 2010
The Didier Dagueneau Sancerre 'Le Mont Damne' 2010 showcases a complex nose with white flowers, citrus, minerality, and spice. It offers a full-bodied, powerful palate with ripe fruit, excellent acidity, and a long, mineral finish. Well-balanced and harmonious, it pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, seafood, or goat cheese. A great wine to impress with its complexity and long-lasting finish.
7. Lail Vineyards Georgia Sauvignon Blanc 2015
A limited release wine from the Georgia AVA in Napa Valley, is a complex and flavourful wine perfect for special occasions. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, it displays a deep golden colour with grapefruit, passionfruit, and white flower aromas. Full-bodied with citrus, tropical fruit, and mineral flavours, it has a long, lingering finish. Enjoy it with seafood, chicken, pasta, or on its own.
8. Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Silex 2005
The highly-rated Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Silex 2005 showcases minerality, acidity, and complexity. Made from grapes grown in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation of the Loire Valley, it undergoes fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. Perfect with seafood, white meats, and goat cheese, or enjoyed on its own. Tasting notes reveal flint, lemon, white flowers, minerality, grapefruit, passionfruit, and white peach.
9. Francois Cotat Sancerre Cuvee Paul 2017
Francois Cotat Sancerre Cuvee Paul 2017 is a well-made, high-quality Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, France. With a pale yellow colour, it offers aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and flint. The wine is dry, crisp, and minerally, with a long, refreshing finish. Enjoy it on its own or paired with seafood, poultry, or cheese.
10. Kumeu River Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Kumeu River Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is a high-quality wine from Auckland, New Zealand. With a pale straw colour and green tints, it offers aromas of passionfruit, citrus fruits, and herbs. The wine is dry, crisp, and refreshing, with a long, slightly minerally finish. Perfect with seafood, chicken, or cheese.
Due to limited production, most of these wines are in high demand and may command higher prices in the market. The results of the competition are a testament to the quality of Sauvignon Blanc wines from around the globe. The judges praised the winning wines for their complexity, balance, and minerality. They also noted that the wines were well-suited for a variety of food pairings, including seafood, poultry, and cheese.
