Last Week's Tasting Notes

Tablelands (New Zealand) ($12.50)
From the producer:
"The East Coast appellation Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of grapes grown in Martinborough and Hawkes Bay. The combination of the rich yet zingy Martinborough fruit and more refined Hawkes Bay fruit leads to a wine that has amazing drinkability with the richness of stone fruit, highlights of peach and lime and underlying minerality." 

From me:
I prefer Sauvignon Blanc that has less grapefruit on the palate, so this is one of my New Zealand go-to wines. It's almost a little savory, and the underlying citrus is just enough to give it some tang. The acid is nicely balanced, and the minerality keeps the body light and refreshing. Marlborough is the better-known production area, but I think Martinborough makes a more elegant wine.

Dona Paula Los Cardos (Argentina) ($10.99)
From the producer:
"Pale yellow color. Very intense aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, lime, and white peach. In the mouth, this is a fresh, balanced, highly vivacious and persistent wine."

From me:
South American Sauvignon Blancs seem to have a subtle earthiness that keeps the fruit and acid in check, which is partly why I find this wine very pleasing to my palate. Although Chilean Sauvignon Blancs are commonplace in North America, you are less likely to find one from Argentina. The grapes for this wine are grown in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, which is also where my favorite Malbecs are made. The producer uses sustainable farming practices.

Honig (Rutherford, California) ($17.99)
From the producer:
"Bright acidity lends a crisp freshness to the flavors of peach, passionfruit, and lemongrass, artfully balanced by a touch of freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime. Juicy and refreshing, with aromas of jasmine, peach, and grapefruit rind. Medium-bodied, with a lingering finish."
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From me:
I actually haven't tasted this wine. It is one of a very few bottles in the shop that can claim that dishonor. The reputation of the brand is very good, and I brought it in because it is a sustainably farmed product. Rutherford is an AVA (American Viticultural Area) within the greater Napa Valley AVA. Some of the highest quality wines come from this section of the state, so to find a bottle at $17.99 is a great value. When I took delivery of the cases, a bottle had broken in the truck, and the cardboard had soaked up the scent of the wine. At first I thought it was a bourbon bottle that had broken, because the aroma was rich with a fruity sweetness. It smelled delicious, so I am eager to try this wine!