”2008 marks the 30th vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. We’ve made massive strides since that first vintage, the quality of the wine just keeps getting better and now Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is sold in over 30 markets around the world. As the original pioneers, our understanding of the region and the variety is unparalleled. We now grow Sauvignon Blanc in each of the three main sub regions within Marlborough and have unrivalled experience in harnessing the potential of these areas, blending a Sauvignon Blanc that truly represents the region as a whole. 2008 looks to be an excellent vintage; the flavours are bold, ripe and zesty - exactly what you’d expect from classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.”

Tasting notes

The wine is light straw in clour with green highlights. Aromas of ripe capsicum, gooseberry and grapefruit dominate with tropical fruit notes apparent. The wine displays full fruit intensity. The ripe capsicum flavours meld well with the gooseberry and supporting mango and passionfuit flavours. A well balanced wine showing the lively, crisp acidity associated with this style.

Rating

A tight, tart white, with sharply focused grapefruit, lime and peach aromas and flavors competing for attention as the finish races along, persisting impressively. Drink now. 100,000 cases imported. –HS Wine Spectator 89 points (Mar 31 2009) Tight and tart, with sharply focused grapefruit, lime and peach aromas and flavors competing for attention as the finish races along, persisting impressively. Drink now. 100,000 cases imported. –HS Wine Spectator 89 points (Mar 31 2009)

Wine maker notes

The grapes were harvested from mid March to mid April 2008. Most of the grapes harvested were crushed and left in contact with the skins for a few hours to increase the extraction process and to provide strength and fullness of flavour. The remainder was gently bag pressed off to achieve fresh clear elegant juice. The juice was then fermented slowly at cool temperatures to retain the very distinctive regional and varietal characters.

Technical notes

Though made to drink while it is young and vivacious, this wine may be cellared for up to three years to develop further complexity.

Food pairing

This wine can be matched with grilled oysters, barbecued prawns or salmon as well as poached whtie fish with fresh green salads containing parsley, pepper or lemon. Mediterranean and Turkish dishes with hummus, olives ande feta will also match well.