Marlborough Wines
Known throughout the wine world for its production of Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough Wine Region is the most prolific of all wine producing areas in New Zealand. It is located in the northeast corner of the South Island and accounts for over 60% of the country’s grape production. Here, the soils are generally composed of sandy, alluvial loam and gravel, which provide excellent drainage and helps to limit Sauvignon Blanc’s vine vigor. The particular mix of soils combined with the daytime sun and significantly cooler nights create Sauvignon Blanc with intense acidity, vivid citrus and tropical fruit as well as a distinct herbaceous quality. Pinot Noir is also a popular variety in Marlborough, producing lighter-styled wines with bright cherry, raspberry and mineral notes. For a detailed list of all the top rated and best buy selections be sure to take a look at our Marlborough Wine Guide.
Palliser Estate 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- $18
Another brilliantly evocative Marlborough wine, full of the most beautiful, complex flavors. Apple, peach and citrus fruits roll down the palate in waves, made shining bright by high acids, and finish dryish and opulent. This is simply a joy to sip.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
Fairhall Downs 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- $18
Pretty as a picture, a very slightly sweet wine of great fruit and perfect, rich acidity. It doesn’t pall after the first few sips but retains its interest through the long, refreshing finish. Defines Marlborough class.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
Terrace Road 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- $17
Defines the balance of Marlborough, from the upfront, juicy-fruity flavors of apples, citrus, and gooseberry, through the bright acidity and honeyed texture to the long, satisfying finish. A gorgonzola cheese with this wine is a textbook combination.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
Firstland 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
Here’s an extraordinarily fragrant and flavorful wine, as lush as a late-harvest, yet dryish. It has amazing extraction, like a fruit cocktail, a mixture of grapefruit, apple, tangerine, even melon. There’s a little residual sugar in it, just enough to offset high acidity.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
Huia 2003 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $18
Concentrated, racy and intense, packed with everchanging notes of fruit that range from peach and melon to passion fruit, pineapple and grapefruit. The long, tangy finish reverberates across the palate long after the wine is gone.
— J.C.
(4/1/2004)
Isabel Estate 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $21
Hits this country’s style like an arrow to the bull’s eye. Fragrant as can be, with aromas of pineapple, passion fruit, tomatillo, fresh pea and wheat grass. If that’s not enough, the palate is round and spotless, with a tropical overload of sweet and tart tastes. Finishes long and precise, with radiant zest. Imported by Adventures in Wine.
— W.E.
(7/1/2005)
Seresin 2003 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $23
Pointed and crisp, but with complex aromas of herbs and mineral along with more typical passion fruit and citrus. Explodes in the mouth with flavors of pineapple, pink grapefruit and more passion fruit. Citric and fresh as a whistle. What Kiwi S.B. is all about. Imported by Pacific Vine International.
— W.E.
(7/1/2005)
Foxes Island 2004 Chardonnay (Marlborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $37
Quite toasty and mealy, with delicate hints of peach on the nose. Rich and weighty on the palate, delivering loads of baked apple, spice and brown sugar. Yet for all this weight and power, it doesn't seem ponderous at all, finishing long and gracefully.
— J.C.
(12/1/2005)
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