Sauvignon Blanc, American-style

American Sauvignon Blanc is still pretty much “a hit-or-miss affair,” said Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post. Some bottlings manage to be as flavorless as vodka, while others are overwhelmed by mouth-puckering citrus flavors. Fortunately, a crop of West Coast newcomers has raised the bar with a distinctly new, American-style Sauvignon Blanc featuring “tropical flavors of mango, passion fruit, kiwi, and guava.” Here are three of the best.

Mason Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($18)

”Great value.” A lovely, elegant wine from Napa Valley with nice depth and complexity.

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Eliseo Silva Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($15)

“Delightful.” Another wine offering “great value,” this time from Washington state’s Columbia Valley. Enticing mango, melon, and star fruit flavors.

Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2007 ($15)

This classic Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County has a “grassy edginess” ­similar to wines from France’s Loire Valley, while also preserving a distinctive “California ripeness and style.”