Thursday, March 15, 2012

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (wine review and rating)

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2012
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Pale gold with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, and grass with notes of green vegetables and herbs. The citrus flavor on the palate is crisp but not tart, followed by a slight but brisk minerality that develops into the finish. The finish itself is a little flat and ever so slightly bitter.

Our rating: This is a refined wine with good structure and balance. Very typical of this varietal from New Zealand, it is moderately aggressive but doesn't cross any boundaries. We served our bottle with simply prepared white fish, a nice choice. We were slightly disappointed in the finish, which some might consider "racy" but reminded us of citrus zest used in excess. We previously rated the Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Excellent and the present vintage is close but doesn't quite deserve the same rating; we rate it Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: The wine possesses a light straw colour and tropical aromas of guava, melon and citrus. The palate exhibits the same fine flavours followed by a crisp, dry, flinty finish.

Winery website: Clifford Bay: New Zealand Wine.

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