Clif Family: From Energy Bars To Sauvignon Blanc

The Clif family, perhaps best known for their Clif Bar energy bars, is now in the wine game.  For the life of me I can't string together a clever segue between their new line of wines and how their stomach weights were once my daily bread, but if I could, there'd be a reference to breakfasts of champions in there. 

Bottled under the label The Climber, these wines are packaged either in traditional glass bottles or in a 1.5L eco-friendly pouch.  For the outwardly inclined and uninitiated, the wine pouch is a bladder-like container with a handle at the top and a spout at the bottom.  Sort of like a Camelbak, only the wine is already in it.  Seriously, though, say what you want about the romance of corks and glass and curling paper labels; this is the future of efficient product distribution.

Anyway, we got our hands on a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc from the very difficult 2010 vintage.  (Full disclosure: this wine was received as a press sample.)

2010 Clif Family Winery Sauvingon Blanc The Climber $14

While not nearly as comprehensively nutritious as their bars, this won't leave you wanting in the refreshment department.  Crisp, bordering on tart, the addition of Viognier and Riesling soften the sharp edges without overdoing the fruit.  Full of bracing acids, this Sauv Blanc is more for fans of European, food-friendly style than the green apple/fresh cut grass northern California is known for.  It's priced where it should be, but chances are you'll find it for $10-$12 or depending on your market.  Grilled shrimp anyone?

What I'm really curious about, though, is if they'll ship these with backpack shoulder straps and a hydration tube.