'Shorn' Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2011

Grape:    Sauvignon Blanc

Price:      c £8.50

From:      Legacy Wines

Country: New Zealand

Region:   Marlborough

ABV:        13%

Ever since I have been old enough to buy presents, I have had this sinking feeling when Christmas approaches.  It isn't anything to do with the religion or the holiday itself, but rather, its a feeling of dread that comes with knowing work and effort will soon be required to find suitable presents.  I pride myself on being able to source good presents for everyone and so this adds to the pressure.  Fortunately, once all the buying is done, the feeling completely flips over and like most big kids, I can then focus on the important things, like raiding the house for known pressie hiding places.

This year, I decided it was time to embrace the century I live in and do it all on-line.  Armed with my bank card, I started e-browsing and it wasn't long before presents were bought and ticked off the list. This is great! No crowds to push past, no weather to battle and no waste of time and energy, trudging from shop to shop.  It was going so well that I decided a little libation was in order.  I chose this week's wine, anticipating it was going to be the perfect shopping companion and I was right!

 

First out of the bottle is the distinct scent of tropical and passion fruit which combines with more subtle citrus, apple aromas, and even an element of minerality.  The balance between nose and palate is wonderfully matched, with rich warm passion fruits providing the firm base upon which, lemon and grapefruit hints can be detected.  Towards the backtaste, the sweetness of the tropical fruits play down, allowing the more refreshing elements of citrus and green grasses to play through, giving this wine a drier, more refreshing finish than other NZ Sauv Blancs I have recently tasted.  Almost like the picture of the sheep on the label, the wine has two sides, one that recognises the powerful, aromatic and distinctive taste that comes from grapes ripened in warm climates and the other is a respectful nod to the drier, more grassy/minerally Sauv Blancs of the Old World.  

 

The aftertaste does not degrade but does not linger either, making it a very easy wine to drink with a meal or on its own.  Perfect for sipping while scouring Amazon for the last of the Christmas presents and saluting all delivery drivers who have made our lives so much easier.  There is one obvious drawback to drinking while shopping on line though, and so to the person who ends up with the musical toilet seat; I apologise but I thought it was such a good idea at the time!

 

Legacy Wines currently sell direct to the public through numerous consumer events.  For more information go to their website.  Shorn is available to buy at Nisa stores and selected Spars in the South West.  All Legacy wines are also available to buy on line through www.wearewines.co.uk and at Cash & Carry outlets such as Parfetts & Landmark members.