Jean-François Merieau, Touraine (Loire Valley, France) “Les Arpents des Vaudons” 2009

($16, Jon-David Headrick Selections):  This is the kind of wine that consumers are always searching for: one that over delivers for its appellation.  The Touraine appellation pales in prestige to ones like Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, but, like wines from those areas, this wine delivers the appealing grapefruit-like bite of Sauvignon Blanc.  The grapes come from a single parcel of 60-year old vines, which accounts for its complexity.  Fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves its bright citrus tinged fruit quality while lees-stirring adds just a hint of creaminess.  It’s an excellent buy. 89 Michael Apstein Aug 3, 2010