Mostly Sauvignon in fact, with 9% Semillon blended in, from Hawke's Bay rather than the seemingly ubiquitous Marlborough, barrel-fermented and then aged in oak for ten months. So this isn't your typical New Zealand Sauvignon. Bottled under screwcap. A moderately pale lightly straw-tinged hue in the glass. Although it starts with some very classic, pungent Sauvignon character, the true face of this wine is the subtle spice and honey that follows, although it always retains that weedy, nettly freshness. On the palate the barrel-ferment also shows through, but it is not overpowering, but rather rich and characterful, with a really very forceful midpalate acidity which keeps the wine on track, providing definition and zip. A good nettly, capsicum-infused flavour reminds us of the variety right through to the finish. A step away from the traditional face of New Zealand Sauvignon, and attractive too. Very good. - Chris Kissack - TheWineDoctor.com

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