Not long ago, Round Pond Estate was the top pick of my chilled summer wines with their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc.  With release of their 2013 vintage, they’re back on top.  The 2013 release brings back the clean, crisp balance of fruit and acidity that peaks at the perfect summer drinking temperature.  Remarkably, this is an affordable wine for regular sipping.  Priced at $24.00 for tasting room visitors and $21.40 for wine club members (“Pondies”), you’ll want to stock up.

When in wine country, put this central Napa Valley tasting room at the top of your “must see list” (map below).  But call several days ahead, tastings are by appointment only and are not just a flight poured at the bar.  The 2nd floor open-air veranda overlooking vineyards on three sides is one of the most pleasant tasting venues in the valley.  Several tours and tastings are offered, from a quick sip to a full flight paired with a complete lunch.  While there, also check out the olive oil tasting room across the road, reservations required.  See their web site for more information:  www.roundpond.com.

Round Pond Estate

875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573

Disclosure: The author is a member of this winery’s wine club.  Wines and other products or services described in this article were provided by the winery pursuant to benefits available to all club members. No free samples or other inducements were provided to the author in return for this review.