White wines on someone's deck while watching a gray whale frolic in our bay:
2020 Hiruzta Getariako Txakolina Hondarrabi Zuri
Clean and elegantly focussed with a lot of fine details, including the classic spritz. Deserves a better score than others on CT have given it, but then none of them have drunk one since 2023. This wine is definitely not simple.
2023 Vibe Cellars Albariño Columbia Valley
I'm not generally a fan of Washington Albarinos as each I've had lacked the personality and verve I know from Spanish versions. But finally, here's one that works: medium yellow in the glass. Then exotic floral nose with ginger is followed by yellow apple, peach and cardamom spice which make a big first impression with unusually good body and a lasting finish. Must find out more about this winery!
2023 Hourglass Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
My contribution. The last CT reviewer mentioned structure, density and weight. Doesn't sound like the same wine we drank, especially the density and weight parts usually typical of Napa fruit. Instead it was a lighter style oak-free SB that drinks like a $10-15 wine. Very drinkable, but too bland for the $40 price tag. Boo hiss!
And a bonus: a few nights before a friend poured the 2023 Kirkland (Costco label) Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Not the gooseberry style, but dustier with green bell pepper and lime peel. Nicely fresh yet dry and unbeatable at the price (probably under $10).