This wine has always been considered by me to be the benchmark New Zealand Sauv blanc and the wine that I compare other Sauv blancs to. The 2006 and 2007 vintages have been showing a little more grassy flavors that I am not fond of. So with some reservation I dove into this one and I was not disappointed! The color is pale yellow. The bouquet is spot on. This wine has none of green grassyness I don’t like. I would say however, that this one is not as powerful as some previous years have been The finish is mild to medium. I paired this wine with a smoked salmon salad with balsamic vinagrette and it went well. The LCBO description refers to nettles. If you’ve ever been stung by a nettle there is not a chance your getting your nose anywhere near one of these bushes … If I had to give this wine a number I would say an 87-88 with the lower number reflected the lack of intensity I have come to expect from this wine. I would say consistency is an issue with this wine in the long term.
From the LCBO web site:
KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC (V) VINTAGES 35386 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Made in: New Zealand, New Zealand By: Constellation Wines Nz Description Vintage after vintage, the world-renowned Kim Crawford displays his winemaking prowess with Sauvignon Blanc. This version exhibits aromas such as gooseberry, asparagus, nettle, tomato leaf and citrus. Tantalizing with monkfish with tomato and fresh herbs, or steamed mussels. Featured 12/25/2008
