Brief Escape to Down Under

After a hectic weekend, I managed to sit down with the Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($13.98), an excellent white wine brought to us by our good friends at TGIC Importers. I typically expect New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs (this one hails from the Marlborough region) to be all grapefruit and nothing but the grapefruit, yet this light-bodied white exhibited much more. With hints of guava and gooseberry both in the nose and on the palate, this expressive white shows off its acidic nature, lending to its desire to match with fresh seafood or light salads. The inclusion of 11% Semillon softens the often-piercing acidity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, giving this wine a New World take on white Bordeaux.

Though finishing a bit short, this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has enough citrus fruit, mineral and dried herbs to give it significant depth and character. This 100% stainless-steel fermented Sauvignon Blanc gives clean, crisp, satisfying pleasure that is perfect for summer.