Blanc Page NZ Sauvignon Blanc (Issue 138, January 2010)
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 After the difficult, ample 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Vintage, all eyes - and noses – were on 2009.
By the end of a long tasting, Nick Stock was impressed with the overall quality of the 2009s. “The New Zealand winemaking community is loved for its fearlessness in tackling new frontiers. I like the direction the 2009 Kiwi Sauvignon vintage has taken. There’s better balance, more aromatic complexity… the 2009s are more complete and less mono-directional than recent vintages.” Of the 215 wines tasted, 34 won four stars or more. The range of styles and level of sophistication delighted John Belsham. “We’ve honed in on wines with structure, balance and harmony.”
Tasting Panel
Such is the fondness of Australians for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and with an increase in trans-Tasman wine traffic, it is becoming customary for an Aussie judge to be included on our Sauvignon panel. This year chair John Belsham, international judge and owner of Foxes Island Wines, invited Melburnian Nick Stock. One of Australia’s most prolific wine commentators, Stock is the author of the Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide and was awarded World’s Best Drinks Journalist in 2007 at the World Food Media Awards. Joining them was the experienced Jim Harré, chairman of judges for the New World Wine Awards and a wine consultant for Air New Zealand, who also offers tutored tastings at The Gates Country Lodge, his luxury North Canterbury retreat. Associate judge was Jane Boyle, product strategy manager at New Zealand Wine Cellars.
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Cuisine Top 10 NZ Sauvignon Blanc
To qualify for TopTen status, wines must be readily available for general purchase. Some wines might rate as high or higher but are hard to find. Wines are listed in order of final scores.
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1 |
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Mud House Swan Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 |
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2 |
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Invivo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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3 |
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The Sisters Singlevineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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4 |
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Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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5 |
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Saint Clair Pioneer Block 2 Swamp Block Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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6 |
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Harwood Hall Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 |
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6 |
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Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 |
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8 |
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Matua Estate Paretai Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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9 |
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Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) |
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10 |
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Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 |
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