Wine of the week: Pomelo, 2009 California Sauvignon Blanc

Randy Mason of Napa Valley's Mason Cellars almost became a veterinarian, but decided to forsake animals for vines.

Mason is the winemaker behind our wine of the week winner — the Pomelo, 2009 California Sauvignon Blanc at $10.

Mason ended up double-majoring in animal science and fermentation science at U.C. Davis. He worked in Napa Valley at Chappellet Vineyards and Napa Wine Company before diving into Mason Cellars full time in 2001.

"Pomelo is not really a second label," Mason said.

"It was made to offer great winemaking and wine at an affordable price. We buy fruit for Pomelo to fit a price point. Lake County has turned out to be a place where great fruit can be purchased at a price that makes Pomelo affordable."

Mason said no Mason sauvignon blanc is going into the blend.

A pomelo is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, similar to a grapefruit but larger and milder in flavor.

Mason said he wants Pomelo's style to be "light, bright and fruity. No heavy tannins or oak that can be heavy on a hot afternoon. .

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. I want Pomelo to be fruit driven .

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. something that tastes good, something that the new wine buyer would find interesting and want to try again." Wine writer Peg Melnik can be reached at 521-5310 or peg.melnik@pressdemocrat.com.

Wine writer Peg Melnik can be reached at 521-5310 or peg.melnik@pressdemocrat.com.