The Bottle That Sneaks Up on You
You know how sometimes a wine just hits? Not in a dramatic, cinematic way—more like a tennis serve you didn’t expect to land perfectly in the corner. The Dog Point smelled alive the moment I twisted the screw cap. Bright lemon, orchard fruit, and that classic Marlborough zing that wakes up your whole palate.
But here’s the twist: it isn’t the tropical fruit bomb that so many New Zealand Sauv Blancs lean into. This one leans savory and energetic—almost like it’s got a little engine humming underneath it. That’s what grabbed me.
Why This Wine Stands Out
The shelf tag at Costco described aromas like curry leaf, crushed seashells, and even asphalt. Ignore the asphalt part—no one wants to drink road. But what they’re trying to say is the wine has character. The savory herbal note is real, and the mineral edge gives it structure. It’s the difference between a casual pickup soccer game and a full-on match under lights.
Dog Point has always made wines with tension and purpose, and this one tastes like they were aiming for precision rather than flash. It’s beautifully fruited without being sugary, crisp without being sour, and layered without being complicated.
The Costco Factor: Don’t Wait
Here’s something I’ve learned from years of shopping, recommending, and filling carts for customers:
If Costco has something this good under twenty bucks, and it has a big score attached, it will disappear.
They rotate wine like coaches rotate lineups—nothing is guaranteed to stay.
If you see this bottle:
Grab two. Better yet, grab four.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Where It Fits in Real Life
This wine is built for so many Lakeshore moments:
- After a long day at work when you want something bright and uncomplicated
- With grilled shrimp on the deck
- Paired with sushi from D&W in Grand Haven
- After a bike ride along the lakeshore trail when your body needs something cold and crisp
- Summer beach day cool-down
- With goat cheese, salads, or anything citrusy
It’s refreshing without being simple. Clean without being boring. It checks every box.
Would I Buy It Again?
Without hesitation.
This is the kind of Sauvignon Blanc I’d pour for friends who think all New Zealand wines taste the same. It reminds you why the region exploded onto the world stage—because when Marlborough gets it right, it still beats most of the competition like a baseball team on a winning streak.
My Aha Moment
Some wines teach you something unexpected. My takeaway here was simple:
Great Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t have to be loud—it just has to be alive.
Dog Point nailed that balance.
