Snap. Crackle. Pop.That's what I'm looking for when I open a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I remember my first bottles from Marlborough, and how they blew my tastebuds away with their clarity and clean lines. Then the aggression emerged--too much boxwood and cat pee, too much grass, too tart.
As soon as I opened the 2008 Drylands Sauvignon Blanc I knew I was in for a treat. Gooseberries, lemon, and herbs wafted right out of the bottle. After I drank it I checked my notes to be sure. My suspicions were confirmed. This is the most exciting New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc I've tasted this year. (suggested retail $17.50; currently available for $12-$22)
This wine snaps, crackles, and pops with life. The aromas absolutely bowl you over--citrus, gooseberry, herbs and--as it opens up--flowers. The intriguing floral note in the wine's aromas carries through in the palate, which is resoundingly tart and fresh, tingling over your tongue. A deeper, blood orange note creeps into the aftertaste. This wine represents excellent QPR, and is fully worth the suggested retail price.
This wine has the pizzazz to stand up to Mexican or other spicy cuisine. We had it with a Southwestern Tortilla Salad and its fresh citrus and herbal notes were lovely with the lively flavors of the food--and something wonderful happened when the wine combined with the cilantro. Somehow, the Sauvignon Blanc muted the assertiveness that cilantro can sometimes have, while keeping it bright.
If you see this wine, grab it.
Full Disclosure: I received this wine as a sample.
9 comments:
Drylands ... I've seen it, but not tried it yet. Sounds like something wonderful and I'm really curious about the floral component. My favorite is Kim Crawford, which is probably more citrusy than some people like, but generally well accepted, but I've been drinking Stony Bay lately which is just slightly cheaper and also nice. I heard the crop for 2009 is huge, so I expect we'll keep seeing wines from this region at the under $20 price. Yippee!
I'll pick up a couple bottles today, at the same shop where I'm getting more Montecillo Crianza at $6.49 a bottle!!!!!
Deb,
The Drylands NZ SB does sound wonderful. Can't say that I've ever seen this NZ SB in Delaware though. I'd be curious to compare it to the Kim Crawford SB.
Mmmm sounds yummy! I do love those NZ sauv blancs (although I am not a big fan of the ubiquitous Kim Crawford). How would it be with homemade grilled snapper tacos, I wonder...
Mr. Taz, good to know you're still enjoying the Montecillo Crianza--I think you'll like this, too. Mark, I'd be interested to know what you think of Drylands vs. Kim Crawford. I like both, but Kim Crawford had a spate of vintages I was not all that impressed with. The recent vintage was more impressive--but I still preferred the Drylands.
Deb,
Thank you for sharing your honest opinion and for standing up for what you prefer. I can't wait to try the Drylands SB-that is, if I can find a bottle in Delaware. If and when I do, I will put it to the test against the Kim Crawford SB and share my thoughts with you.
Again, many thanks to you for being so completely honest!
Kind regards,
Mark
Also a really good one! Actually, it's one of my favorite Sauvignon Blancs, & since I just read this today, I may have it tonight.
One of the best NZ SB you can get in the states!
You're welcome, Mark. Look forward to hearing what you think. And thanks Claire and Kate for chiming in--always good to know that my palate is in sync with my readers.
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