The outstanding 2001 Sauvignon Blanc Clifford Bay Reserve, from Marlborough's Awatere Valley, has a nose that can best be described as a nectar of Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe, sweet pears, gooseberries, candied limes/lemons, and ruby red grapefruits burst from the glass. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is opulently layered with passion fruit, spices, Italian herb liqueurs, gooseberries, and super-ripe citrus fruits. This Sauvie, as the Kiwis call them, will undoubtedly be better with a year or two of cellaring. Projected maturity: 2003-2008. Bravo!
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802