Earlier in the year, the fine folks at Charity Case Foundation shared a couple of bottles with me – one each of their first offerings, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé. Now, these kind and generous individuals have me on two counts: (1) great wine and (2) supporting children and families in need. For years, Chez Knighton has supported a small, local organization that provides shelter, food, and clothing to women and children in financial straights, so I whole-heartedly endorse any organization or individual with a shared mission. Especially if those organizations and individuals also love wine!

So, without further ado, let’s talk about the wine!

But first, a confession: I am a Sauvignon Blanc snob. I really prefer those from New Zealand (who doesn’t?), so I opened the Charity Case Sauvignon Blanc (California 2009) with a bit of trepidation. Which was a huge mistake – this wine is fantastic!

In the glass, it’s a sunny, golden yellow with a floral, almost nutty fragrance. But, oh the taste. Tropical fruit, coconut, a hint of hazelnut with a touch of butter and cream – thanks to its barrel-fermentation. We enjoyed it with a cheese plate, and it was particularly well-paired with an aged Italian Asiago and a French goat cheese. I’d like to open another bottle and try it with a spinach salad and scallops.

Needless to say, I just love this wine. My only disappointment is that I can’t get it shipped to Texas, thanks to some ridiculously old-fashioned wine distribution laws. But if you’re in any of the other states who can accept shipments from Vintage Point Cellars, order a bottle as soon as humanly possible.

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Charity Case Foundation, a collective movement of Napa Valley Winemakers, with all net proceeds going to non-profit organizations serving children and families in Napa County. Opinions are entirely my own. No animals were harmed, though much wine was consumed, during the writing of this review.