The Buitenverwachting estate’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc clearly represents more serious aspirations in terms of sheer intensity, although for some tasters (including this one) gooseberry, passion fruit, and caraway will not represent the most attractive aspects of its grape. The merits of this wine lie particularly in its refreshing citrus and interesting stony, saline mineral nuances such as I relatively seldom encounter in South African Sauvignon. While there is significant bitterness in the finish, it should become better-integrated at table when this wine is put to work trying to complement bitter-edged, high-acid, or otherwise “wine deadly” vegetables.Imported by Cape Classics, New York, NY; tel. (212) 686 1300

A nice chive- and thyme-filled version, with lively lime and mineral flavors on the finish. Opens steadily in the glass, with a white asparagus note blossoming. Very tasty. Drink now. 500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Constantia Select to Add

This bright, vivacious white starts with fig, citrus, gooseberry and spice on the nose and offers flavors of fig, lemon and pepper spice on the palate. Clean but complex, it’s a wine that will pair with elegant seafood and poultry dishes.——S.K.(9/1/2009)—— 88