Summer Wine: Callaway Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Temecula’s Callaway Vineyards and Winery has not been a favorite of mine, so it wasn't exactly a thrill when Russell, our waiter, offered Callaway as the Sauvignon Blanc selection.  Several years ago I tasted through Callaway’s whites and rosés and found them tasteless, flabby and lacking acidity.  With a meatless Mediterranean meal ahead of me and the late afternoon warmth still breezing into Cayenne Cafe, I figured “At least it will be cool.”

It was.  White wine is always served too cold in restaurants.  I’ve almost given it up as a crusade; the restaurants aren’t listening.

But the Callaway Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is a pretty good wine for a warm afternoon, especially with some nice tabbouleh, falafel, hummus, grape leaves, spinach pie, olives and vegetable couscous on the table.  The wine pairs very well with the whole smorgasbord, if you'll pardon the international metaphor-mixing.

There’s just a slight tint in the glass, and the nose shows apples, citrus and a hint of vanilla.  It’s full in the mouth, with flavors of lime and pear dominant.  The acidity seemed a little light upon sipping, but it came in where it was needed - on the finish.  A nice spread of minerality leaves the palate clean and refreshed.  Winemaker Craig Larson has done a nice job with this crisp white.