As with every holiday gathering, you’re likely to get some hop ons… I mean neighbors. Whether you like them or not, your neighbors are you community, and while some are great like Wilson from Home Improvement, others are like Newman from Seinfeld.  One of these guys you want to serve a bottle of two buck chuck, and the other you want to give something closer to a fine Napa Cab.  So which way does The Neighbor Sauvignon Blanc break, Newman or Wilson?

Sight:  A moderately heavy gold with a hint of green to it.  Deeper in color than many Sauvignon Blancs

Smell:  Green apple, kiwi, and starfruit all jump out of the body full force, before settling down slight to let lime, guava, and hints of a sweet, floral, tropical fruit smell creep in. The nose is inviting and lush with just a hint of gooseberry.

Sip:  The body is weighted toward the heavy side as it claims, but the brightness is through and through a sauvignon blanc.  The starfruit comes through with lime and gooseberry in the palate, and pulls in a hint of oyster shell.  There’s a bit of lime pith going on here, and the tropical fruit notes become more subdued and less ripe.

Savor:  The ending is refreshing, pulling in good amounts of starfruit, apple skin, and oyster shell.  Touches of lime keep it going in a long, winding finish.

The Neighbor Sauvignon Blanc is a topsy turvy roller coaster ride of Sauvignon Blanc.  The fruit flavors it brings are punchy, well rounded, and develop strongly against the smooth, heavy backbone.  The refreshing character of the starfruit and lime, compliment the minerality well.  While there’s a hint of bitterness, The Neighbor Sauvignon Blanc is well rounded, and would do great at any summer get together for both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay fans.

Verdict:  Green Apple, Starfruit, Lime, Gooseberry, Round, Bright
Rating: 87
Price: $13
Napa Valley, California