Tasting Note                         

91    2006 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough    7/15/07 ($15)

Color: Medium yellow. (3.0) Bouquet: Intense grass, tart pear and lime with mineral and excellent acidity. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight plus that coats the mouth with excellent fruit, mineral and acidity. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet step-for-step. Tart and tasty. (3.0) Finish: Acidity, lime and grass linger in the mouth and sinuses. Very lively, fresh and clean with fine intensity. (3.5)
Overall: An excellent NZ Sauv. Blanc with a strong personality. Intense varietal character that is crisp and clean at the same time. Comparable to Nobilo Icon or Kim Crawford in quality, but not as complex and multidimensional as the Dog Point Vineyard. I hope this one is able to sustain its quality for more than a few vintages, unlike some better known NZ Sauv. Blancs that have lost it in recent years.(15.5)