J-T Sauv Blanc

After all the socializing that's been happening of late, it's a welcome respite to just stay at home for the evening and simply enjoy some ("Boo Surprise") salmon & salsa, some fresh Similkameen Valley corn that he picked up and a bottle of refreshing white.

576. 2008 Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (VQA Okanagan Valley)

This was one of the surprises that Boo and I were pleased to discover at a BC Wine Appreciation Society tasting last year with Jackson-Triggs winemaker, Brooke Blair. Ms. Blair actually supervises production of J-T's Okanagan red wines - and the reds are usually what I think of first with Jackson-Triggs. However, Derek Kontkanen handles the whites and he has a winner with this Sauv Blanc.

Neither over-the-top with a Kiwi fascination of cat-pee or mulberry bushes, yet perhaps still more assertive with its fruit extraction than the Sancerre's that are available - and affordable - in our market. I don't normally reach first for Sauv Blanc, but we quite liked this one.

Unfortunately, it's not the easiest wine to find as only 500 cases produced and, at $19, it's still affordable. I'll definitely keep my eye open for the 2009 to add to The List since '09 is supposedly a banner year for BC whites.