8 Most of this Sauvignon Blanc was tank fermented, but a portion received oak. That gives a welcome layer of smoky richness and vanilla to the beautiful, underlying Meyer lemon, lime, pear and green apple flavors that are so rich and mouthwateringly tart. A very drinkable, dry white wine. ——S.H.(12/1/2010)—— 91

The new releases include an absolute steal of a wine, the 2008 Fume Blanc Sonoma, an amazing value at $13 a bottle. (I have already consumed several bottles at a nearby BYOB sushi house.) It offers copious aromas and flavors of honeyed melon, citrus blossom, and figs in a fresh, medium-bodied, lively style with surprising complexity, fruit, and texture for such an inexpensive wine. I have even seen it discounted for just over $10. This winery produces some exceptional bargain-priced wines and consistently does an enviable job with Sauvignon Blanc, or as they call it, Fume Blanc. There has been a long legacy of top-notch Fume Blancs produced ever since veteran winemaker Richard Arrowood was fashioning the wines at Chateau St.-Jean in the 1970s. Chateau St. Jean produces four distinctive styles of Chardonnay. My favorites tend to vary with the vintage, and in 2007, the Belle Terre Vineyard came out on top.Tel. (707) 833-4134; Fax (707) 833-4200

Chateau St. Jean has a long history with Sauvignon Blanc, and this affordable wine shows their mastery of the variety. It’s dry and crisply balanced, with delicious flavors of lemons, limes, pineapples and honeysuckle that are brightened with crisp acidity. A touch of Viognier, oak and lees adds complexities that make this a great bargain. ——S.H.(11/15/2008)—— 88

A killer value, the 2006 Fume Blanc exhibits beautiful melony, honeysuckle, and orange-zest aromas offered in a crisp, dry, light to medium-bodied, tasty personality. Enjoy it over the next 12-18 months. Readers looking for fabulous values in dry, aromatic, crisp, fruit-dominated whites with personality and soul should check out the following wines from Chateau St. Jean.Tel. (707) 833-4134; Fax (707) 833-4200

You get a big mouthful of wine for the price of this crisp, fruity white. It’s bright and zesty in acidity, with balanced citrus, fig, melon and spice flavors, and the finish is long and rich.——S.H.(11/15/2007)—— 86