A few other wines sampled at various meals during our stay in Florida.
2003 A Mano Primitivo nose: meaty, dark fruit palate: medium body, dark berry fruit, gamey, good acidity
I haven't had this wine since the '99, which IIRC was its inaugural vintage. At the time, I recall thinking that it was the most Zin-like Primitivo that I'd had, but this wine (from '03, no less!) was far less Zin-like and much more akin to other Primitivos that I've had. Quite a pleasant wine, and a surprise to boot. $10-12 in wine-searcher.
2006 Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc nose: tropical fruit, citrus palate: medium body, decent acidity, fruity, simple
From an organic producer in the Brown-Forman stable, this CA SB isn't out of place in a lineup of Kiwi SBs, though it has a different flavor profile from your typical Marlborough SB. $12 at the local supermarket.
2006 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc nose: grapefruit, minerals palate: crisp, citrusy, minerals
Good QPR Sauvignon Blanc from a solid NZ producer now owned by Constellation. Nothing special, but nothing to complain about, either, and many steps above the '06 Monkey Bay tasted alongside of it. $10 at the supermarket.
2007 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc nose: grapefruit and cat pee palate: crisp, medium body, good fruit
Superior to the '06 version of this wine, and again a classic but unremarkable example of the genre. Better than a kick in the head, though, especially with fresh seafood. $13.
Mark Lipton