98 Chat. St. Jean SB, La Petite Etoile, Foul or Fabulous?

[Bucko]

Here are my notes on four CA SBs that don't overwhelm with oak and malo:

1998 Brander, Sauvignon Blanc, Estate $11. This wine is bold in expressing itself. Very grassy on the nose and palate, with lovely peach fruit, nice balance and a crisp finish. Good value.

1998 Husch, Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, $11.50, 9,949 cases. Nice Sauvignon fruit with just a hint of grassiness, a light hand on the oak, and lively acidity.

1998 Jepson, Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve, Mendocino, $15, 375 cases. Another clean, crisp, fruity Sauvignon Blanc, with just a hint of gooseberry. Steam that crab.

1998 St. Supery, Meritage, Napa Valley, $20, 2,208 cases. This is a very lovely, elegant, balanced wine, with luscious citrus and grapefruit flavors and a hint of orange peel.

Bucko