($55): Mike Grgich embarrassed the French judges in 1976 with the Montelena Chardonnay he made that took first place in the famous Judgment of Paris.  If he had been making this Sauvignon Blanc at the time, I’m sure it would have done equally well.  Though I’ve not tasted every California Sauvignon Blanc, I’ve tasted many of them over the years as a judge at multiple wine competitions.  Grgich Hills Estate 2013 Sauvignon Blanc “Essence, Miljenko’s Selection” is the best I can remember.  A blend from various sites throughout Napa Valley, it is a gorgeous and refined example of Sauvignon Blanc.  It combines a delicate bite with creamy suaveness reminiscent of fine white Bordeaux, rather than the chalky Sancerre or palette-tingling Marlborough renditions.  Long and graceful, it caresses the palate rather than assaulting it.  Most California Sauvignon Blanc do not cost $55 a bottle, but then again, I can not remember one that’s this good.
97 Michael Apstein Dec 23, 2014