If there’s any perfect time to drink sauvignon blanc, it’s now, when the thermometers are regularly cruising past 100 degrees.

As gentle a California sauvignon blanc as you’re likely to find, this 2022 from Black Stallion is a lemony Creamsicle of a wine, vanilla running through the experience alongside a mild tropical character that evokes pineapple compote and a touch of grapefruit, providing some needed (albeit gentle) acidity. Light and understated, this is an approachable wine that encompasses the definition of a classic summer “porch pounder.” So get to it!