2003 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Normally by this time of year, I would be drifting away from fresh vibrant wines, heading instead for wines with more richness and weight. However with this season's abundant sunshine and warmth, I have found myself continually drinking white.

The most recent wine to capture my attention is the 2003 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc. From the great New Zealand region of Marlborough, this wine is expressive, flavoursome and complex. After the initial pleasure of gooseberry, lemon, asparagus and tropical fruit on the nose, the palate delivers a mouthful of flavour, finishing with fresh but not sour acidity.

This wine deserves the accompaniment of prawns and scallops so grab yourself a bottle and some seafood and indulge in the last tastes of summer.

© Toni Paterson February 2004

Price: $24
Winemaker: Brent Marris
web: www.witherhills.co.nz

Retail/online stockists:

Heritage Fine Wines Barrack House, Level 1, 343 George St, Sydney NSW, ph (02) 8251 7555
www.heritagefinewines.com.au/onlineshop

Kirra Beach Hotel Wines Marine Pde, Kirra Qld, ph (07) 5599 4806
www.kirrabeachhotel.com.au

Wine Diva Wine of the Month, January 2004