Tropical Fruit from California's Central Coast: Firestone Sauvignon Blanc

I know it was just Labor Day, but if you still feel like you need a mini-break in the tropics in order to get through the fall, look no further than the Santa Ynez Valley and the 2008 Firestone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. (suggested retail $11-13; in a market near you for $10-$18).

This was one of the more exciting Sauvignon Blancs I've had this summer. It's made very much in the style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, without the influence of wood. This zesty, tropical fruit inflected wine had aromas of lemongrass, starfruit, pink grapefruit, and lime. Layers of round, tropical fruit flavors were accented with the same citrusy grapefruit and lime notes that I detected in the aromas, and the wine has a fresh, grassy finish. Excellent QPR if you can find this wine for $15 or less, and no matter what the price you will consider it to be a good buy if you've always reached for New Zealand bottlings in the wine store but have been shocked at their rapidly rising prices.

If you're looking for a recipe to pair with this wine, try it with this yummy Green Goddess Chicken Salad. This fast and simple one-dish meal uses a bought roasted chicken to speed preparation, includes cubes of bread, and makes the most of late summer herbs. The wine really accentuated the herbal notes in the dressing, and the roundness of the tropical fruit flavors were lovely with the chicken.

Full Disclosure: I received this wine as a sample.