Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, New Zealand
12.35€
Exceptional aromatic ripe gooseberry and lime characters dominate this wine, with hints of green capsicum. The depth and intensity of ripe varietal flavours that this wine presents is a direct reflection of the prolonged fruit ripening policy that Villa Maria pursues in its Marlborough Vineyard. SB has been graced with the charming scent characteristics of “Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush”, but this has altogether more class!
Almost tart with acidity but plenty of fruit to balance it – how very refreshing! I get a bit of asparagus but heaps of lime too, and a little bit of passion fruit coming through on the finish – this for me is what hallmarks it as a Marlborough Sauvignon
Drink with: Modern and contemporary food – try it with Sushi, Sashimi (go steady with the Wasabi) and fishy “fusion” food. A must with sweet Scallops griddled with Pancetta or Boudin Noir. It worked for me with a Grilled Brill (Barbue here) and Oyster Tempura
FWW Wine Fact: My mate Alastair Maling MW is the winemaker here – Villa Maria have also pioneered the use of stelvin (screw cap) as THE preferred closures for Marlborough Sauvignon – finally Cloudy Bay have followed and so the screw cap reigns supreme here