Plan ahead for wine buying before fires affect supply, prices

The good news keeps on coming. To provide some idea of the scope of the California fires, which was tough for me to visualize, I did a bit of research. Approximately 1.1 million acres, and growing, are affected and 17 percent under control. The entire state of Delaware, by comparison, is 1,266,912 acres. Initially I read there were 12,000 firefighters at work, and I was comforted. Now, with a better perspective, it seems insufficient even to man the perimeters because, at last count, 20-plus separate large areas were afire. The wine AVAs, particularly Central Coast south of San Fran, are especially hard hit. Others are spread through much of the state. Those who are able to afford it might be well served to lay in a year’s supply of wine. Between the abnormally hot weather this vintage and the fires, coupled with all the awful news on the health front, prices will likely escalate and supplies will dwindle. In addition to ensuring your supply, your purchases will provide much-needed liquidity to a very stressed West Coast wine economy. Over the next few weeks, I plan on reviewing affordable, well-rated wines from California to help with your selection.

Let’s explore a lovely $11 Sauvignon Blanc: Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc 2019, 89 McD points and a Texsom gold medal winner, is a fine selection for those who enjoy Southwestern, Thai, Vietnamese or Chinese food. It pairs equally well with local white fish and crab dishes. I guess purists like beer with their crab pickin’, but try Cali SB instead. While it stands up to the spice, it doesn’t overwhelm the crab. BTW it is DC (drinking correctness) to drink wine from a plastic cup in some circumstances. Tropical fruit and grapefruit aromas, a bright mineral acidity, medium to full body and muted oak notes provided by resting in neutral oak. The 2018 achieved an 87 McD.

Oak Grove Family Reserve SB, $10, McD 87, plus 1 price point and a different look. Lime and green apple nose, green apple repeats on light body with hints of tropical fruit in its finish. CK Mondavi pops up again this week with its 86-point SB 2018, which can be found under $12 for a 1.5-liter bottle. Look for lemon and herbal aromas in a crisp, medium-bodied wine with grapefruit and lemon flavors. Seaglass SB 2019, from Santa Barbara, will run about $9, 87 McD. Green apple, lime and floral aromas with lime and apple plus grassy notes on the palate, with bright balancing acidity. Fetzer Echo Ridge around $8 rates an 88. Guava and passionfruit aromas, tart green apple and lemon-lime flavors supported by bright acidity.  Goes well with oysters, so saving a few bucks on a case buy may be a fine idea. Although I’ve suggested this previously, may I remind readers it is advisable to buy a bottle, allow it to stand in a cool place a few days, and then sample it before buying cases.

Moving a bit upscale in price, St. Supery Dollarhide Estate Napa SB 2018 around $17 is definitely worth the candle. Redolent of peach, lime, tropical fruit and mild grassy nuance. Peach and lime repeat on the bright but balanced fruit/acid palate. Very long, dry, palate-cleansing finish. Heitz Cellar Napa SB 2017 is remarkably complex, and I’ve seen cases priced under $230. It’s 100 percent SB sourced from Ink Grade Vineyard.  Citrus, stone fruit, floral and jalapeno aromas evolve to peaches, tart apple, more citrus and a hint of SB grass flavors. The long, dry finish is also complex, with peach, lime, mineral and honeysuckle reverberating throughout. This may be the best value in today’s column, 92 McD under $20 add 1 price point. I’ve barely touched the surface with these, so more will be forthcoming. Keep in mind, many SBs are excellent with oysters. I prefer those with lighter body, bright acidity and salinity hints. SBs with more body, tropical fruit profile and oak notes are less appealing to me with oysters and broiled white fish, but they do well with Asian and Central American cuisine.

This email just now came across my screen and I think the info may be newsworthy: “Today, five wine industry marketing professionals are launching a fundraising campaign for direct relief for those in California’s wine country affected by the statewide lightning fire complex.” For more information or to donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/2020-wine-country-fire-relief-fund.