166. Cakebread Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, 2003

$20; 14.1%

A disappointing wine, because it lacked the freshness and zip of a good quality Sauvignon Blanc. This may be a style issue, since this is a relatively ‘warm climate’ region. Mid-straw-yellow colour (quite intense compared with e.g. Sancerre) with a hint of green. Some tropical fruit aromas. Flavour was quite ‘fat’ (small Semillon addition) with only moderate acidity, and again tropical fruit notes, but with a slightly bitter smoke / nuts aftertaste. Not bad length and not a bad wine per se, just not my type, I think.