2011 New Zealand Wine

The aromatics in this 2011 Sauvignon are distinctly tropical. Indulging the nose the initial sweet passion fruit then gives way to hints of lime, classic gooseberry, and dried herbs. But it is the palate where this wine embodies all that is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The entry onto the palate is smooth and fruit driven, which accelerates through to a midpalate burst of energy from the firm lively acidity with a lingering mouth-watering finish, leaving the discerned wine drinker simply gagging for more. Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed on many occasion: either on its own as an aperitif, or accompanied by seafood and salad dishes. Serve lightly chilled.

It fills me with a great deal of pride that we produced the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and we are as excited today with the 2010 wine as we were with the first one in 1979. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is now known as one of the world’s most remarkable wines. Essentially we have the right grape variety in the right place so it is no surprise therefore that, year after year the wine excels on the world stage. 2010 continues this long line of excellence.

Tailor-made for spring and summer imbibing, the suavely fruity 2011 Forrest Sauvignon Blanc comes exclusively from winemaker John and Brigid’s family-owned vineyards in Marlborough's premium Wairau River Valley. Founded in 1988, Forrest, along with Cloudy Bay and Goldwater, was among the handful of pioneering producers who put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map, and it remains one of the country's benchmarks for fresh, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc to this day. Bone dry, it opens with a fresh nose of kiwi, lime, and a hint of passion-fruit, following through with notes of lemon thyme, apple-citrus and mango. Mineral notes from Wairau River’s flinty riverbed terroir rise delicately on the finish. --Ben Giliberti

Crisp and refreshing, with lovely flavours of ripe grapefruit, gooseberry and pineapple. Fresh, zingy acidity dominates the palate with some pleasant fruit sweetness and good weight. A great wine with seafood and chicken dishes or just to drink on its own.