I Never Do this, but Just for You I Might!

  • 2008 Sauvignon Republic Cellars Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (7/1/2009)
    I virtually NEVER make a tasting note on a Sauvignon Blanc. These are wines meant to be consumed in youth and, by the time the note reaches anyone, there are “fresher” versions of the varietal that are more appealing. I am hoping that this note reaches someone. This wine shows very crisp acidity and an extremely attractive nose of spice-laden gooseberry and fig that makes it stand above the pack. Very easy to drink as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to light fare. Drink now-12/09. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Cheers!

Colin [cheers.gif]

Colin, a very impressive TN on a Sauvignon Blanc. I’m like you, I rarely post notes on certain wines that are more ‘purposeful’ rather than special. I’m enjoying a wonderful Soave Classico right now, but haven’t written TN’s on any of the 7 bottles I’ve enjoyed.

Most wines - probably 99% - are made to be consumed in youth. I’m one of the oddities who like a SB with some age particularly when blended with a bit of Semillion. I’d say many top versions of SBs, even those without Semillion, take on lovely, rich honeyed notes to go along with the tart flavors with a couple of years in the bottle.

I recently wrote a TN on a 2007 Merlin-Cherrier Sancerre that will definitely be better in a couple of years. YMMV of course!

Notes on wines like this are important because they reach and share what you have enjoyed. If you did not like it, I would understand no note, alternatively, if it was flawed beyond the single bottle or case scenario, it once again becomes important.

Thanks for posting.

Thanks for the note. IIRC, Sauvignon Republic is a trio of chefs/winemakers, including chef/cookbook author, John Ash. They rotate every year so one year the SB would be from South Africa, the next New Zealand, the next CA and so on. Usually very tasty SB’s. Haven’t tried the 08 yet.

Correction - looking at their website, in 08 they have an SB from Russian River Valley and Marlborough, NZ. They also produce an SB from Stellenbosch SA but don’t see one listed for 08.

I recently posted a TN for a 1997 Kalin Sauvignon Blanc; an excellent wine, with 12 years. They can age …

I was thinking of Kalin too. I’ve got one 97 Semillion left that I’m sure is still kickin’ too.

My understanding is that they produce 3 SBs from all 3 regions each year. I recall tasting all 3 side by side from the 2007 vintage to decide what I wanted to purchase.

Correct-

And from what I understand, they are adding regions.

BTW, I must correct myself. I do indeed always make tasting notes on cellar-worthy white Bordeaux. [notworthy.gif]

Colin

Wait a sec. Kalin? Are you sure it is ready yet? [wink.gif]

One of the principles in Sauvignon Republic is from Virginia, IIRC, and we tasted on some of their earlier vintages, 04 Russian River Valley, perhaps slightly earlier. Admirable devotion to the grape. Seem to recall they were looking to do something from the Loire at some point, don’t know if they’ve pulled it off yet.

BTW: in great vintages, great Sancerre’s can pull 10+ years easily, and are a safer bet to age than Sauv Blancs from anywhere else.

Actually I’m saving it for my first grandchild.