Overgaauw 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch) Vibrant green things herbs, stems, vegetables, leaves, grasses poised at their ideal midpoint between the underripe harshness of pyrazines and softer impressions of tropicality (though there is a hint of pineapple as well). Theres mineralitylarge rocks, decidedly indelicateand a fine balance. A bit outrageous, in a manner that will remind some quite strongly of Marlborough, but its fuller-fleshed than that. The more I taste, the more I agree with a number of South African winemakers who believe that, at the moment, their countrys most accomplished and terroir-revelatory wines are its sauvignon blancs. (7/09)
Donaldson Family Pegasus Bay 2000 Pinot Noir (Waipara) Big and dark, but not as weight-dominated as it was just a year ago, which means that signs that its made of pinot noir (rather than something more Rhnish) are starting to re-emerge. Theres always been good acidity, and the drawing back of the heft has revealed some delicious orange rocks within, but I still dont think theres any hurry to drink this. (7/09)
Pirie South 2006 Estelle (Tasmania) 50% riesling, 30% gewrztraminer, 20% pinot gris. An aperitif-styled chilly chugger of a wine, full of crystal sweetness and pretty, almost icy fruit. No complexity, but I doubt any was desired. A wine for laughter. (7/09)
Villa Maria Cellar Selection 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) Lemon-lime, grapefruit, grassall ripe, clean, and vibrant, with balanced acidity and just enough persistence. A little crystalline minerality as well, though this is a fruit-dominated wine, for sure. (7/09)
Villa Maria Cellar Selection 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) See above note, crediting the consistency of the closure. (7/09)
Ken Forrester Petit 2008 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch) Sweet apricot and a hint of banana skin, but not a tropical fruit-salad wine; rather, sunny, polished, and summery fruit, clean and simple. Theres just enough acid, and maybe even the suggestion of chalkthough that may be self-suggestion. A wine for now, now, now. (7/09)
Donaldson Family Pegasus Bay 2000 Pinot Noir (Waipara) Big and dark, but not as weight-dominated as it was just a year ago, which means that signs that its made of pinot noir (rather than something more Rhnish) are starting to re-emerge. Theres always been good acidity, and the drawing back of the heft has revealed some delicious orange rocks within, but I still dont think theres any hurry to drink this. (7/09)
Pirie South 2006 Estelle (Tasmania) 50% riesling, 30% gewrztraminer, 20% pinot gris. An aperitif-styled chilly chugger of a wine, full of crystal sweetness and pretty, almost icy fruit. No complexity, but I doubt any was desired. A wine for laughter. (7/09)
Villa Maria Cellar Selection 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) Lemon-lime, grapefruit, grassall ripe, clean, and vibrant, with balanced acidity and just enough persistence. A little crystalline minerality as well, though this is a fruit-dominated wine, for sure. (7/09)
Villa Maria Cellar Selection 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) See above note, crediting the consistency of the closure. (7/09)
Ken Forrester Petit 2008 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch) Sweet apricot and a hint of banana skin, but not a tropical fruit-salad wine; rather, sunny, polished, and summery fruit, clean and simple. Theres just enough acid, and maybe even the suggestion of chalkthough that may be self-suggestion. A wine for now, now, now. (7/09)