Marlborough needs AVA’s. It is a big region and there is poor areas of it. That is why you have some really cheap ones.

Villa Maria at the COSTCO price

I love the Cloudy Bay CS….but it is getting harder to shell out the Duckets these days for it…

That said,,,,I think a perfect pairing is Sauv Blanc and Lagastino Cocktails….Yummers!

I have had many NZ SB’s. I can’t say it is my favorite type of wine. Give me the Pouilly Fume.

Love the “marathon” tasting! Thanks GV.

QOTD: Allan Scott is probably my favorite. But the Kim C. a few years ago was solid for the money. Monkey bay is a great value, still available for

i like how you used kiwi to describe NZ sav blanc, you taste what you taste and thats great, but a kiwi is also a person from NZ. anyways, haven’t been a fan of sav blanc or a whole lot of whites, but i’m learning to appriciate them, especially the sav blanc.
QOTD
i’ve had a few, none that stood out enough fro me to remember, but i will be trying some more soon. especially after reading eric arnolds “first big crush” great book, a must read.

GV – Good show. QOTD – I love me some Huia Sauv. Blanc.

QOTD – I really like the 2006 Allan Scott Sauv Blanc

Tried 2007 Waimea Sauv Blanc Nelson a few weeks ago, very nice – Pouilly Fume-like.

2006 Martinborough Vineyard, “Te Terra” Marlborough NZ. Most complex and dynamic one I’ve had. The nose is amazing, grapefruit heaven, with a little honeysuckle and kiwi…secondary flavors of pineapple and grass. Little bit pricey, but well worth it. I’ve had the Cloudy Bay and thought it was ok, but way overpriced. I’ve tried the Kim Crawford and thought it was a bit one dimensional. Nautilus was not bad, but missing something for me, perhaps that tropical zing. It was similar to a low-end sancerre. Look for the “Te Terra” it blew me away.

Matua Paretai- Phenomenal, but only available in NZ. Other than that, love the Oyster Bay.

2006 Babich for about $12 was a good deal. Longer on the finish than most NZ SBs I’ve had.

I love NZSB!
QOTD: Drylands 2006 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

My favorite NZ SB – 2005 Matua Paretai which is avaiable in the US. Also Dog Point and Drylands is terrific.

QoTd: Kim Crawford, but it has been a little too over the top for my tastes lately. Good Episode but kind of a snooze fest. But very informative.

QoTD: Uh… none. I’m letting my love of red show here!

My favorite S.B. is The Nautalus. I think it even scored 92 points for 13 BONES!!!!

Good job with the SB plow. Got a lot knocked out there.

QOTD: Hmmm, really can’t remember. Haven’t had to many SB from NZ, but will definitely be trying to get my hands on the Chasing Venus.

I have not been drinking long, but the 2004 Kim Crawford was the first one that I experienced where I was really impressed. I have to agree on the ’07.

Hey Gary,

My first Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand that I fell love with was Selaks Premium Selection. That was about 7-8 years ago. Definitely when they were just starting to get into the American wine scene. That wine really made me start looking at not only N.Z., but other regions and varieties. There was more to wine other then California Chardonnays.

Favorite NZ SB — first one I had was Shepherd’s Ridge. I didn’t know anything about New Zealand Marlborough sauvignon blancs — just bought it off a front of store display at whole Foods before Thanksgiving a couple of years ago — only $9. It really surprised me, how different and delicious it was. So I started seeking these wines out and trying every one I could find, took them to every party and made everyone taste them. I found one called Saint clair, 2006, at Costco last summer, Matt Thomson, winemaker. I bought all they had because I thought it was good and a good price, $12. I still have some left and collect others when I see them, but I have sort of cooled off on them for a while. I agree about the Kim Crawford — very disappointing.

OK, you finally drew this on and off lurker out with the Kim Crawford bashing. I used to hate all Sauvignon Blanc wines until I finally tasted a Kim Crawford 2003 wine and then it all changed for me. Sure I have tried other SB, but I am never satisfied until I come home to Kim Crawford. Yeah, the Chilaen’s are doing a pretty good job Veramonte for about $8 isn’t bad. The CA are terrrible as you say, which is why I have always hated this varietal. Kenwood the classic is all grass. Anyway I have followed the Kim Crawford for the past 5 vintages. 2003 was zesty, but over sulfitaed which ruined the nose, 2004 was fruity but a bit flabby, 2005 was nothing special but no defects, 2006 was great and scored a 92 by WS, but of all the previous vintages I think the 2007 is fantastic. I was getting it for $11.94, but recently my supplier has gone to $17.00 and even Walmart is finally cheaper. Sure it isn’t worth it at that price, but Kim Crawford is the best. I have tried a bunch of Marobourgh wines (Matua is a good deal at $8 – 10 and they claim to have started it all, Redcliffe nothing special, Brancott is overrated, etc. Sure I have tried the Sancerre, but it is the grapefruit that I am after and it is only New Zealand that delivers on that. What say Gary?

I guess mine fave S.B. would be Oyster Bay

QOTD: Drylands 2005 (2006 didn’t quite live up to prior vintage IMHO)

I really like NZ SB and drink them often, but I can’t stand green/english peas so I feel like I’m playing Russian Roulette (Kiwi Roulette??) when I pull the cork. I’ve been on a bad run lately, too. Thanks for the warning on the New Harbor. I will avoid it at all costs.

QOTD: I’m not positive about the name, but I think the best I’ve had within my humble price range was Nautilus 2006 Sauv Blanc.