An Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc from Stoneleigh Vineyards Marlborough NZ

What's the test of a really good wine?  One thing I like to do is share with my friends and get their impressions.  So here is one rave review. Within minutes of tasting this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, my good friend Gail, who is pretty particular about her wines, was on the phone with her local wine merchant ordering a case. It is really that good.

You may have noticed I have not been very excited about NZ Sauvignon lately. Many of them have given up any distinctive style in an effort to gain market share with intense but boring wines.

Not so with this beauty from Stoneleigh Vineyard. They say the secret is in the stones.

In a region called Rapaura in Marlborough there was once an ancient river which left behind a bed of stones. At Stoneleigh they call them sunstones. According to the winemakers these stones reflect the abundant Marlborough sunshine up into the vines and grapes which causes a deep ripening process. This coupled with a dry climate, with warm days and cool nights, and a stony soil that makes the grapes stuggle results in a small but rich crop of precious grapes.

The result is a rare wine; rich and elegant with flavors of pink grapefruit, passion fruit and pear intertwined with delicious minerality. It is well balanced in flavor and acidity. Each vintage is a little different, the 2009 we tried was very good. Wine Spectator gave it 90 points and said "Bright and jazzy, light on balance but still zingy, offering pear, pineapple and lime flavors that don't quit." I understand the 2010 is even better.

We enjoyed the wine with French cheese and shellfish. It is a perfect summer wine.