Sacred Hill (New Zealand) Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2001
I interviewed winemaker Tony Bish of Sacred Hill in 2001 (click here to read) when I was very impressed by his range of wines from Hawkes Bay, on NZ’s North Island. I remember he told me they were also planning to make Sauvignon Blanc from fruit grown in the South Island region of Marlborough, widely regarded as New Zealand’s premium Sauvignon country. This is the first release of that wine, and it is a great success being both typically Marlborough, and up to Sacred Hill’s high standards. The nose is enticingly aromatic, with plenty of tropical fruit, a zesty lime note and a gentle hint of gooseberry. On the palate there is a blast of zippy acidity up front, adding a cutting edge to powerful, concentrated apple and peach fruit before a long, savoury, tangy finish. 7.99 Unwins, everywine.co.uk.