2011 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc

I will be the first to admit that the price of Merry Edwards sauvignon blanc is off-putting.  Who pays $45 for a bottle of SB when there are so many very good versions from New Zealand (and elsewhere) for less than $20?  However, sauvignon blance from Merry Edwards is in a class by itself.  It is not in a price range to quaff on a nightly basis (for most of us at least), but the caliber of this wine will make you rethink what is possible in a SB.  It is a much more layered, nuanced wine than most other SB's, with subtle fruit flavors and an amazing balance of acidity.  This wine does not have the in-your-face, bracing tartness that is so typical of many sauvignon blancs (particularly from NZ).  Instead, this beautiful wine displays fragrant apricot and melon aromas that meshes elegantly into the pronounced citrus, pear and subtle spice flavors. It is so food-versatile that it's pointless to try to pinpoint only one or two food pairings.  Try it with all manner of seafood and poultry, plus salads and cheeses. Hard to go wrong. 

I've had several bottles of ME SB over the past several months (both 2010 and 2011) and have found both vintages to be nothing short of delicious and completely satisfying.  The price is a bit steep to enjoy this wine as often as I'd like, but it's a wonderful choice for the occasional weekend dinner.