Okay, I DON’T do wines with stupid animals on the labels or with really stupid names like Old Fart and the like. But...I was reading the Wine Enthusiast and a wine with an 87 rating and an “Editor’s Choice” caught my attention. Then, NW strolls into town and says “Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is the best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had” I said, “Whoa!” Okay I have to at least give this a shot–stupid animal on the label not withstanding.
I looked a couple places but to no avail. As it turns out, our major supermarket chain carries it and it’s CHEAP! $8.99 for this New Zealand phenome. It is a pale yellow in the glass with a phenomenal classic “grassy” Sauvignon Blanc bouquet with a citrusy foundation. In the mouth this wine is superbly balanced with a solid base of acid which made it a perfect pairing with our Fourth of July Lobster–Oh yeah, Baby! SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!! It has fruity flavors which other reviewers call “stone fruit.” I have no idea what a stone fruit is but I know an outstanding wine when I taste it. *This is a marvelous example of the grape type and at this price you have GOT to run out and pick some up. It seems to be widely available. It is rich and creamy in the mouth and the finish just keeps on going and going. Why are you even still reading this? RUN Forest, run and pick up some of this stellar–artificially corked wine NOW! And then–Raise a glass! Oh yeah!
*Wine Spectator rated this wine an 85. I think they need to add another 5 points to that!
If you like Monkey Bay this much, you'll be absolutely floored by another Marlborough vineyard named Matua. This vineyard is the original producer of Sauvignon Blanc in New Zeland (founded 1974) and it shows.
ReplyDeleteWe've been able to find their low end 2004 Sav Blanc numerous places, typically for around $9.99.
While we have had Monkey Bay a few times and enjoyed it, we consistanly prefer Matua, and it's only a dollar more.
The Matua Premium Selection Sav Blanc is labled as "Paretai" and is part of their 'Estate Series'. This is truly an unbelieveable wine. It runs about $40 NZ / $32 US. If you EVER run across this wine, buy it. You will not be sorry.
Too bad NZ Sav Blanc (especially the high end) isn't more widely available in the US. I think and hope that will continue to change in the years to come.
Cheers.