La Cantina - Sauvignon Blanc

Terravin Te Ahu 2009

Terravin Te Ahu 2009 — Thu, 05 Aug 10 11:20:20 +1200

One of the Best NZ Sauvignon Blancs you will Ever Try

Winemaker and owner Mike Eaton recently had a tasting with Perrotti-Brown, who is a wine writer for Wine Advocate and Robert Parker. She visited just 12 wineries in Marlborough. When she tasted the 2009 Te Ahu she said it reminded her of Pavillon Blanc from Chateau Margaux which sells for around $130.00!

French Sommelier Jean-Marie Pratt who has been Head Sommelier at Gordon Ramsays for the past 3 years said the Te Ahu is with no doubt one of the best three Sauvignons from NZ. "When tasting the Te Ahu Sauvignon Blanc, one would straight away sense there is something different in the wines of Terravin than most of the other wines in NZ. This has a star-bright and appealing colour, the nose is discreet to start but shows subtle notes of citrus, white fruits and flowers. It slowly opens up in the glass and delivers much more minerally notes such as flint and pebble. On the palate the wine is dry and focused and displays similar fruity and mineral notes reminiscent from the nose. It is ample and textured with a precise and marked acidity, all in harmony and balance.
I would suggest decanting this wine if consumed now - I think this wine has the ability to age and believe it will remain fresh and vibrant for another 3-4 years. I think it will then develop mature tertiary aromas but still good to drink for another 3-5 years. It reminds me of a Sancerre by Francois Cotat - one of the top Loire Valley Vignerons. This suggests that Marlborough SB, when made in a hand-crafted and serious style, can compete with the best Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume."

Fermented in 500 litre barrels and aged for 11 months before bottling this is, as Mike Eaton so rightly states "The Te Ahu Sauvignon Blanc is a new direction, a new pathway for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc". Production is limited and the price is sure to rise in the coming years. An absolute must.

Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc — Wed, 19 May 10 20:08:30 +1200

For the true Sauvignon Blanc connoisseur. With most vintages, fruit from some vintage sites stand out for their individuality and special expression of Sauvignon. This is sourced from the Cowley Vineyard with remarkable complexity and structure. Layers of ripe tropical fruit, melon, guava and mineral citrus - vibrant and fresh. A unique reflection of Marlborough Southern Valley terroir.

Terravin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006

Terravin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006 — Thu, 03 Jun 10 19:23:45 +1200

I first tried this 3 years ago and thought in a few years time this could be brilliant. It certainly is! And it's still got a few years left in it yet. The acidity has dropped away slightly and the flavours have intensified and hang around on the palate for so long. This is very different than your average Marlborough Sauv.

A blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon with moorish flavours of guava, limes, green apple, kiwifruit and lemongrass. The Semillon gives it some lanolin notes that balance the herbacousness of the Sauvignon Blanc beautifully and gives it a crisp acidity and finishes dry. A great food wine and will come alive with seafood risotto, shellfish, fettuccine alfredo or chicken chow mein. A must try for all.

Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009 — Fri, 14 May 10 14:46:47 +1200

A distinct departure from over-whelming, tropical fruit flavoured show styles of Sauv. Inspired by the great styles of the Loire Valley in France, it is an elegant, finely textured, completely dry Marlborough Sauv that is a perfect partner with fine seafood or worth savouring on its own. Rivals the best of NZ.

Tranquillity Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Tranquillity Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 — Thu, 18 Feb 10 18:53:18 +1300

Turning a $20 wine into a Quaffer!

My biggest selling wine and I can hardly keep up with the demand. Everyone agrees it is truly worth $20+. If you want the bargain of the year when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, this is it.
"Way better than anything I've got from the supermarket" is a popular comment. "Why drink any other Sauv?" is another. Packed full of delicious ripe tropical fruit with a lovely crisp finish. Very easy drinking.