This Saturday the Wineslacker and lady feasted on Chinese and quaffed a rich, fruity and cheap Sauvignon Blanc from low priced but quality minded Pope Valley Winery in Rutherford, Ca. Now, Pope Valley claims to have been around long enough to have sold hooch to Al Capone. Maybe. But, if they did, he must have gotten the best end of the deal. The 'slacker has to say that Pope Valley puts out some high quality, low price good stuff. Their Zinfandel is fabulous, their Cabernet Sauvignon was a steal, and their Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2005, is a wonderful value. It's got a nose full of the characteristic white fruit and slightly grassy perfume of the variety and a mouthful of pear, quince and a hint of lime. It's got a nice long finish and all that for $5.99 at Trader Joe's. It's nice when you find a producer that can inspire confidence in each of it's average, everyday bottles. A vin de pays that anyone would be happy to find in his/her glass at a friend's dinner party. Yeah.

I know we promised the straight stuff on Cameron Hughes, Lot 16, Stags Leap District Cab 2004, but, it ain't ready yet. I think we need another bottle to get it right. Pass the bottle, Sherry.