Attended a tasting of some of the 2003 SB which have now been released.

Owing to severe spring frosts - volumes of NZ Sauvignon are approx. 40%
below those of 2002 - however, ideal autumn conditions means that quality
appears to remain high.

If you remain skeptical about screw caps - then you will be subject to
diminished choice - more an more NZ producers are bottling their aromatic
wines under Stelvin - more than 50% of Marlborough and Martinborough
wineries are putting their Sauvignon and Riesling under screwcaps - last
year, corks were used for export - but not so from 2003.

2003 Palliser Estate (Martinborough) The previous two vintages were top of
my list and 2003 does not disappoint; attractive combination herbaceous
flavours with tropical notes and very attractive finish.

2003 Lawsons Dry Hills (Marlborough) Quintessential Marlborough SB;
gooseberry, red capsicum and passionfriut just jump from the glass - not for
the faint hearted.

2003 Stoneleigh (Marlborough) One of NZ largest producers - Full flavoured;
fresh whilst being not too crisp. Never disappoints but never hits the high
notes either.

2003 Saint Clair (Marlborough) A little subdued on the nose - but this wine
explodes in the mouth - herbaceous; citrus and gooseberry - loooong finish -
very good wine

2003 Cloudy Bay (Marlborough) Pure and refreshing, nicely balanced without
being spectacular. CB fans will love; but if going for Marlborough, I prefer
either the Crawford or Isabel.

2003 Wither Hills (Marlborough) Pungent and powerful - have had this a
couple of times lately - with natural rock oysters (a match made in heaven)

2003 Isabel Estate (Marlborough) All class - this winery does everything
right. Concentrated; great weight; gorgeous.

2003 Ata Rangi (Martinborough) I like the tropical flavours which emerge
from this North Island region. First time I have tried SB from this
producer; strong tropical ripe passionfruit with softer gooseberry and
capsicum notes with a hint of spice - not a lot made - but worth the
effort to locate.

2003 Goldwater "New Dog" (Waiheke Island winery - fruit from Marlborough)
Again, yet another producer who has switched to screwcaps. Much lauded (in
US) fleshy peach flavours - good without being outstanding.

2003 Kim Crawford (Marlborough) Gorgeous expression of Marlborough; tangy
and racy.

Conclusion. Most wines will be notable by their scarcity - generally very
good wines without being outstanding - no trace of overripe flabbiness which
sometime mark long hot ripening season.

But, if you can find any Palliser Estate from the 2002 vintage - grab 'em.

______________
st.helier

"St.Helier" > wrote in message
news
> Attended a tasting of some of the 2003 SB which have now been released.
>
> Owing to severe spring frosts - volumes of NZ Sauvignon are approx. 40%
> below those of 2002 - however, ideal autumn conditions means that quality
> appears to remain high.
>
> If you remain skeptical about screw caps - then you will be subject to
> diminished choice - more an more NZ producers are bottling their aromatic
> wines under Stelvin - more than 50% of Marlborough and Martinborough
> wineries are putting their Sauvignon and Riesling under screwcaps - last
> year, corks were used for export - but not so from 2003.

Thanks for the notes! I've yet to see a Stelvin cap in the wine stores here
(Washington, DC) but I'll look out for the first one.

I don't usually have any great liking for Nobilo's products but I was
persuaded to try their 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc last night. It was
certainly the best wine I've had from Nobilo and very good for an
inexpensive wine.


--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland, USA

In article >,
St.Helier > wrote:
>
[snip!]
>
>2003 Cloudy Bay (Marlborough) Pure and refreshing, nicely balanced without
>being spectacular. CB fans will love; but if going for Marlborough, I prefer
>either the Crawford or Isabel.


My local wine shop says that CB this year (2003) is not very good and
steered me away from it. Actually, two wine shops did so now that I think
about it. I had CB in the past (1999) and liked it. Do you know how 2003
compares?


Dimitri

"D. Gerasimatos" wrote in message..

> My local wine shop says that CB this year (2003) is not very good and
> steered me away from it. Actually, two wine shops did so now that I think
> about it. I had CB in the past (1999) and liked it. Do you know how 2003
> compares?


Hi Dimitri

Like any top class producer, they have greater and lesser vintages, but I
have *never* had a CB SB which I would describe as "not very good".

Obviously, we are spoiled for choice here in NZ - I have always found a
couple of wines which I thought were simply gorgeous in any particular
vintage; and usually these are from smaller producers - which often offer
better value too.

If you can find something from my list available in your part of the world,
by all means try one - but if not, Cloudy Bay is a very good wine.

At least CB produce in volumes which makes them more readily available.

What did these two shops recommend instead?

.................................
st.helier

In article >,
St.Helier > wrote:
>
>Like any top class producer, they have greater and lesser vintages, but I
>have *never* had a CB SB which I would describe as "not very good".


Sorry for my confusing use of words. By not very good I mean "not as good
as usual and nowhere near as good as others at the same price point". The
pinot noir on the other hand *was* said to be downright bad.


So my question is if this latest vintage is perhaps not as good as one
might expect.



>What did these two shops recommend instead?


I don't recall. I ended up not buying any SB at all.


Dimitri

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 08:12:46 +1300, "St.Helier"
> wrote:

>
>"D. Gerasimatos" wrote in message..
>
>> My local wine shop says that CB this year (2003) is not very good and
>> steered me away from it. Actually, two wine shops did so now that I think
>> about it. I had CB in the past (1999) and liked it. Do you know how 2003
>> compares?
>
>
>Hi Dimitri
>
>Like any top class producer, they have greater and lesser vintages, but I
>have *never* had a CB SB which I would describe as "not very good".
>
>Obviously, we are spoiled for choice here in NZ - I have always found a
>couple of wines which I thought were simply gorgeous in any particular
>vintage; and usually these are from smaller producers - which often offer
>better value too.
>
>If you can find something from my list available in your part of the world,
>by all means try one - but if not, Cloudy Bay is a very good wine.
>
>At least CB produce in volumes which makes them more readily available.
>
>What did these two shops recommend instead?
>
>................................
>st.helier
>
.....and if the Aussies some how manage to win the Rugby World Cup
m'lord, what bottles do you intend to send to Australia to cover the
double or zip wager from the cricket? :>)

Regards
Swooper

"swooper " <dooper> wrote in message............
> ....and if the Aussies some how manage to win the Rugby World Cup
> m'lord, what bottles do you intend to send to Australia to cover the
> double or zip wager from the cricket? :>)
>

To those who do not understand the finer points of Trans Tasman rivalry,
kindly skip this post.

Equally, if you consider "football" to mean either kicking a ball with your
head or wearing a helmet plus 100lbs of padding whilst only being on the
playing field a maximum of 30 minutes - you may also like to go to a more
relevant post.

However, if you do like gratuitous violence (masquerading as sport) as the
words Rugby Union may mean - and you do understand that NZ vs Australia is
one of the great rivalries in world sport (regardless of which sport is
being played) - then you will realise that the Australian poster (Swooper)
is a total dreamer - of the first order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The biggest word (in the Australian dictionary) is "if"

Australia will win the 2003 World Cup of Rugby Union - if only pigs could
fly !!!!!

IF however, Australia does happen to get through to the final playoffs -
and does happen to encounter NZ (in the semis or final!) - and does not
resort to those "very South African tactics" of drugging their opposition -
I will wager a case of whatever NZ wine " the aforementioned "Swooper"
should choose - and I shall deliver same should Australia win.

(Actually, Australian king prawns and Marlborough Sauvignon is also a match
made in heaven!!!!!)

Andrew (Lord) St.Helier

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 12:50:36 +1300, "St.Helier"
> wrote:

>"swooper " <dooper> wrote in message............
>> ....and if the Aussies some how manage to win the Rugby World Cup
>> m'lord, what bottles do you intend to send to Australia to cover the
>> double or zip wager from the cricket? :>)
>>
>
>To those who do not understand the finer points of Trans Tasman rivalry,
>kindly skip this post.
>
>Equally, if you consider "football" to mean either kicking a ball with your
>head or wearing a helmet plus 100lbs of padding whilst only being on the
>playing field a maximum of 30 minutes - you may also like to go to a more
>relevant post.
>
>However, if you do like gratuitous violence (masquerading as sport) as the
>words Rugby Union may mean - and you do understand that NZ vs Australia is
>one of the great rivalries in world sport (regardless of which sport is
>being played) - then you will realise that the Australian poster (Swooper)
>is a total dreamer - of the first order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>The biggest word (in the Australian dictionary) is "if"
>
>Australia will win the 2003 World Cup of Rugby Union - if only pigs could
>fly !!!!!
>
>IF however, Australia does happen to get through to the final playoffs -
>and does happen to encounter NZ (in the semis or final!) - and does not
>resort to those "very South African tactics" of drugging their opposition -
>I will wager a case of whatever NZ wine " the aforementioned "Swooper"
>should choose - and I shall deliver same should Australia win.
>
>(Actually, Australian king prawns and Marlborough Sauvignon is also a match
>made in heaven!!!!!)
>
>Andrew (Lord) St.Helier
>
Well M'lord, it was your good self that tipped me into that giant SB
from Martinborough...Palliser. I think my tongue is still ringing
months later. :>) Yes, prawns and SB...how divine. The WA SB's are
getting even better... won't be long and they may challenge some of
NZ's best. I somehow think you will not need to be shipping any wine,
as the Aussie team is but a shadow of the team that won the last Cup,
and I expect an England Vs NZ final. I do agree with your summation
of Rugby, 'cos we all know REAL footy is Aussie Rules...:>)

Hooroo.....

[Apologies if this double posts]

On Wed, 15 Oct 2003 20:18:58 +1300, St.Helier wrote:

> 2003 Wither Hills (Marlborough) Pungent and powerful - have had this a
> couple of times lately - with natural rock oysters (a match made in
> heaven)

Had this recently (though without the oysters) and liked it. Quite
powerful as you say, but light, fresh floral flavours. Was also very
impressed by their 2002 Pinot which has just been released here in the UK.

> 2003 Isabel Estate (Marlborough) All class - this winery does
> everything right. Concentrated; great weight; gorgeous.

Interesting. I got half a dozen of the 2002 and initially wasn't very
impressed, but having open a couple more recently (including tonight),
it's improved alot over this time last year (shock from journey?). Will
look out the 2003 with interest.

Don't know Palliser but one of the local shops claims to have the 2002 so
sounds like I'll have to see if they really do. Don't suppose you've
seen/heard tell of the 2003 Neudorf SB?

Thanks for the notes.

Ian

Hi everyone

I'm pretty much a lurker here usually but my passion is "NZ wine" - If you
want to find out about any NZ savvys then pop on over to NZ Winelinks, my
hobby site: I have links to nearly every New Zealand Vineyard, Winery or
related NZ site all sorted just for you to peruse at your leisure.

Recent Savvys I have tasted and enjoyed - among others

Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Marlborough)
Forrest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Marlborough)
Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Central Otago)
Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Torlesse Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2001

Cheers

John (JB)

NZ Winelinks - Linking you to the Wines, Vineyards and Viticulture of New
Zealand
Web: http://www.nzwinelinks.co.nz



"Ian Glover" > wrote in message
news
> [Apologies if this double posts]
>
> On Wed, 15 Oct 2003 20:18:58 +1300, St.Helier wrote:
>
> > 2003 Wither Hills (Marlborough) Pungent and powerful - have had this a
> > couple of times lately - with natural rock oysters (a match made in
> > heaven)
>
> Had this recently (though without the oysters) and liked it. Quite
> powerful as you say, but light, fresh floral flavours. Was also very
> impressed by their 2002 Pinot which has just been released here in the UK.
>
> > 2003 Isabel Estate (Marlborough) All class - this winery does
> > everything right. Concentrated; great weight; gorgeous.
>
> Interesting. I got half a dozen of the 2002 and initially wasn't very
> impressed, but having open a couple more recently (including tonight),
> it's improved alot over this time last year (shock from journey?). Will
> look out the 2003 with interest.
>
> Don't know Palliser but one of the local shops claims to have the 2002 so
> sounds like I'll have to see if they really do. Don't suppose you've
> seen/heard tell of the 2003 Neudorf SB?
>
> Thanks for the notes.
>
> Ian

Hi Ian,

Palliser (Martinborough) is a nice balance of the quintessential Marlborough
(zingy) style and the more tropical (less aggressive) Hawkes Bay sauvignon.

It sells out within weeks here in NZ - so if you can still get some of the
2002 - I can recommend it as an excellent NZ SB.

No, I have not tried the 2003 Neudorf as yet.

This winery is in Nelson province - over the hills from Marlborough. About
15% is fermented in (older) oak - it is a more complex, graceful style.

The Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay is one of NZs very best - and is usually
snapped up ex winery before it hits the retail shelves.

St.Helier

"St.Helier" wrote:

> Hi Ian,
>
> Palliser (Martinborough) is a nice balance of the quintessential Marlborough
> (zingy) style and the more tropical (less aggressive) Hawkes Bay sauvignon.

Heh. Huge Johnson describes it thusly: "Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in
drag." Not a bad metaphor, actually. To me, Palliser has a whopping huge
whack of tropical fruit in the nose and on the palate with good crisp acidity
and moderately herbaceous grassiness. In comparison to the Cloudy Bay model
of SB, it has more fruitiness and less grassy character; in contrast to the
Hawke's Bay SBs, it is crisper and less round, with more over-the-top flavors.

>
>
> It sells out within weeks here in NZ - so if you can still get some of the
> 2002 - I can recommend it as an excellent NZ SB.

Funny, I can still find some for sale here in Indiana, Andrew. Should I send
you a CARE package? ;-) On that note, I'll also mention that, in light of
your very informative report on the 2003 SB vintage, I am stocking up on
several 2002s to tide me through these tough times...

Mark Lipton

"Mark Lipton" wrote in message
>
>Huge Johnson describes it thusly: "Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in
> drag." Not a bad metaphor, actually. To me, Palliser has a whopping huge
> whack of tropical fruit in the nose and on the palate with good crisp
> acidity and moderately herbaceous grassiness.
> In comparison to the Cloudy Bay model of SB, it has more fruitiness
> and less grassy character; in contrast to the Hawke's Bay SBs,
> it is crisper and less round, with more over-the-top flavors.


Both yourself and Johnson have it right on the button.


> Funny, I can still find some for sale here in Indiana, Andrew.
> Should I send you a CARE package? ;-)


Strangely enough, I flew across to Australia a couple of weeks ago, and
there in Duty Free (now that is a misnomer if there ever was one, when
referring to wine - it was dearer than on-shelf retail!!!) was 1/2 doz. 2002
Palliser - which I had put aside until I returned.

But, it has not been available in main stream retail for 6 months!!!



> On that note, I'll also mention that, in light of
> your very informative report on the 2003 SB vintage, I am stocking up on
> several 2002s to tide me through these tough times...


The tough times will be solely because the vintage was so light on volume!

Kindest regards

St.H

Hi St. Helier,

On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 09:00:00 +1300, St.Helier wrote:
> Palliser (Martinborough) is a nice balance of the quintessential
> Marlborough (zingy) style and the more tropical (less aggressive) Hawkes
> Bay sauvignon.
>
> It sells out within weeks here in NZ - so if you can still get some of
> the 2002 - I can recommend it as an excellent NZ SB.

Okay, I'll have to try it. (Not least after that "SB in drag comment,"
can't quite picture that! :-)

> No, I have not tried the 2003 Neudorf as yet.
>
> This winery is in Nelson province - over the hills from Marlborough.
> About 15% is fermented in (older) oak - it is a more complex, graceful
> style.
>
>
I was actually asking as a eagerly awaiting fan of their's, but I hadn't
realised it had any oak fermentation, makes some sense though. Will carry
on waiting.

> The Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay is one of NZs very best - and is usually
> snapped up ex winery before it hits the retail shelves.
>
>
I had it once a couple of years ago and was impressed. Also reasonably
liked their standard Chardonnay (Nelson? or am I mixing the names up?).
Alas our local supplier seems to have cut back to only have the SB.
(Memories of the Pinot Noir where it was okay but not as good as the
whites but probably drunk too young, after couple of years.)

Thanks for the info

Ian