Country/Region/Appellation/Vineyard: New Zealand/Marlborough
Vintage: 2009
Producer: Villa Maria
Alcohol Content: 13%
Price: $16.99
Bought where: Trader Joe's
I tasted the wine on three different occasions: twice at room temperature and once lightly chilled from the fridge. Aromas and flavors evolved much better after the wine was chilled.
- Appearance is clear with pale lemon intensity.
- The nose is clean and shows medium + intensity with fully developed aromas. There are floral notes and abundance of tropical fruit. Lychee and gooseberry are most pronounced, although some citrus and green fruit is also present.
- On the palate there is a pleasant medium-dry sweetness and medium + acidity. The prolonged length of acidity is very surprising as mouth waters very little. Since the stated alcohol level is relatively high this makes me conclude that sweetness is actually higher that what is perceived, while dryness is overstated. This is not to say that the 13% alcohol is at all overwhelming. It registers at medium / medium +, just like the body. The wine comes off very balanced. Alcohol and sweetness and acidity and flavors all intermingle, but most importantly there is a considerable overlap with aromas. Gooseberry, lychee and citrus come in waves in that specific order. The attack is strong and the finish is very enjoyable, with citrus lingering even after a minute's time.
- Conclusions are such: quality is very good (one of the best Sauvignon Blancs I've had thus far). This is decided by the amazing balance, but also the complexity of nose and palate. This wine can develop for another 3-5 years, but it will soon plateau and decline.
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