Tasting Notes: Macari 2003 "Katherine's Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc

Macari Vineyards doesn't always get the press that other Long Island wineries get, but, for my money, their wines are some of the best on Long Island.

I've written about a few of their wines before, including their Alexandra (meritage) in one column and focusing on some of their new releases in another. Every time we stop at their tasting room, we always take a few bottles home...especially if they still have some of their Early Wine left.

Beyond the well-made, delicious wines, the people there are a pleasure to meet and work with. The tasting room staff is always fun and friendly...and they know their stuff too. Too often I find that people pouring in some rooms are just spitting out scripted information. Ask them a question and you'll just get a blank stare in return. That drives me crazy...and it's really not a good practice if you ask me.

Make me feel welcome, teach me about your wines and engage me on an intelligent level...and I'll come back again and again.

Anyway, they sent me a bottle of their Rose for inclusion in my tasting tour of Long Island pink wines...and threw a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the shipment as well "for your own enjoyment."

See what I mean? They're just good people, especially Barb, the woman I work with regularly.

Eyes: It's an extremely pale yellow with a greenish tint...on it's way to colorless but not quite there.

Nose: Fresh and clean, I get a lot of lime with some lemon-herbalness and mineral quality.

Tongue: Lively acidity gives it great structure and the lime flavors are joined by tart kiwi flavors. Super crisp and almost tart.

Price: $15.99

Overall: This is another great Macari wine. Reminds me much more of New Zealand example, though without the somtimes overbearing herbal/grassy quality. This is a great wine for shellfish and we enjoyed it with chicken Caesar salads. The acidity cut through the creamy dressing nicely while the citrus carried us along.

After doing my own tasting notes, I looked at the ones on their website...and I like when my notes are close to theirs. That tells me that they aren't filling their notes with marketing bs and words that they think the public wants to see.