Bishop’s Peak 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
This bright, crisp white is one you can always count on from Talley Vineyards’ winemaker Eric Johnson. He makes an excellent sauvignon blanc each vintage. Bishop’s Peak is Talley’s value-priced brand features exceptional quality in each bottle. A traditional style with its juicy grapefruit, citrus, and grassy aromas and flavors, but it’s not too racy like those from New Zealand. This tasty quaffer is also perfect for special holiday meals with roasted poultry, green chile tamales, or goat cheese apps and salads. Available at the tasting room, it’s only $18 retail.
Costa de Oro 2012 Pinot Grigio Santa Maria Valley
As the latest release from the consistently good winery alongside Hwy. 101 in Santa Maria, this pretty white is worth taking the drive over. It tastes of fresh white nectarines highlighted with bright lemon, with hints of flowers and honey. It’s dry and quite drinkable as an aperitif, but it’s best at the table with citrus-doused white fish, shellfish, and poultry dishes. It’s a good choice to stock up on for the upcoming holiday meals, too. Available at the tasting room, directly across the highway from Santa Maria Costco, it’s only $25 retail for this special white.
This article appears in Oct 24-31, 2013.