By Len
n Thompson, Executive Editor
For years, Comtesse Therese and its owner-winemaker Theresa Dilworth produced mostly red wines, with a chardonnay made in Russian oak the lone white. In 2009 that changed when Dilworth added sauvignon blanc to the portfolio.
That first wine was a bit underwhelming, but the Comtesse Therese 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($28) is a completely different story and wine. Two-thirds of the fruit that went into this wine was grown at Palmer Vineyards, with the remaining third coming from Dilworth's own vineyard. Only 95 cases were made.
Melon rind and citrus — white grapefruit and lemon — are joined on the aromatic but not overly showy nose by extremely light herbal notes.
Lean and grapefruit-y, the palate is juicy and offers a sprinkling of lemon zest and lemon balm. Extremely juicy with balanced and bright acidity, and a slightly saline finish, this is the kind of mouth-watering white you want on the table with shellfish or even simply prepared vegetables.
Producer: Comtesse Therese
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $28*
(3.5 out of 5 | Very Good, Recommended to Outstanding and Delicious, Highly Recommended)