A few weeks back, my wife Mary, "The Chardonnay Queen" took a trip down to Matlacha, Florida,
where we have a small cottage by the sea. While there she had dinner at "Red's Fresh Seafood House",
and feasted on one of our favorites, Pine Island Clams.
Well she did not get the title "Chardonnay Queen" for nothing, so I was surprised when she came back
raving about the Sauvignon Blanc she had with her dinner, rather than a Chardonnay . Of course I was
anxious to try the 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc which
she had enjoyed so much!
I found it to be delightful, although probably not as wonderful with the chicken we had, as it was with
those Pine Island Clams. It is still a distinctive bottle of wine. It has big bold fruit flavors of melon and
lime backed by a sweet citrus finish, which is not the grapefruit flavor of New Zealand Sauvignon
Blancs, but neither is it the big grassy taste found in many California Sauvignon Blancs.
Proving that my wife has an excellent palate, The Wine Spectator scored this one a 90, and I would
agree with that score! Try a bottle soon with steamed mussels, oysters, or seafood cocktail, if you can"t
find Pine Island Clams. Score - 90
Price Range - $12 - $15
Norm
