Vinas Chilenas $3 Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Chile Trader Joes

Delightful nose of grapefruit, mango and bursting with bananas. I thought I might need to add an umbrella to my glass. The first couple sips were a bit on the harsh side, very acidic and overly floral. After it had time to be swirled around a bit and mellowed out, it became very likable. The mango and bananas really stand out after you get past the strong bitter floral notes. Drinkable, but not stellar.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

$5 Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc California Vons/Safeway

This light colored wine smells of crisp pears and honeydew melons, a perfect blend for a warm spring day. It tastes light and fruity just like it smells and it even has a touch of effervescence that tingles on the palate. Classic, clean and crisp. I would definitely keep this on hand.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$2 Gato Negro 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Chile Albertsons

First off, I absolutely adore that this bottle has a screw top. It has already been proven that a cork adds nothing to a bottle of wine and I don't have to worry about the stopper being short enough to fit into the bottom rack of the fridge door. Okay, enough about closures and on to the opening. After a quick pour and swirl, I went in for a sniff and it was oh-so-fruity with lovely pears, sweet oranges and touch of lemonade. The first sip was very nicely packed with pears, melons and green apple. Not to complex, but very consistent. This one is very yummy, and a bit on the sweeter side of the spectrum. This would be a fantastic pairing with flip-flops and swimming pool.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$2 Douglass Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2008 California Stater Bros.

For the price of Strawberry Hill, you can get a fine bottle of Douglass Hill, an actual real wine! However, unless you're 2-buck chuck, can you really have a decent bottle for that price? Let's find out.

The nose on the Sauvignon Blanc is somewhat non-existent. Very light notes of pears and grapes but it pretty much falls flat. But the nose does not always tell all, so I held out hope.

The first sip was pretty nice, very fruity with pears and citrus. Upon the second and third sip some melon and tropical fruits came through. Overall this wine is not bad. I think it would be fantastic with some shrimp ceviche or some chips and salsa. While it was a nice, gentle, well-rounded wine it did not pack a bright, flavorful punch that I like in a good Sauvignon Blanc.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.