Pick up a bottle of this multi-award-winning wine and experience sunshine in a bottle - it's the quintessential New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Its name comes from the tuatara, Maori for "spinybacked one," an at-risk lizard-like creature that's been around since the time of the dinosaurs. The wine is part of a joint "Save the Tuatara" campaign between Waimea Estates and local Maori tribes - a portion of each sale goes to this worthy cause.
Tasting Note: Lovely pungent aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit and lime spring from the glass. The palate is a perfect balance of subtle texture, concentration and refreshing zestiness. Green peppers, fresh fennel and juicy fruit are tied together with loads of sweet citrus spritz that lingers on the finish.
Enjoy With: It's a natural with goat cheese, on its own or in a cheese soufflé; or try it with a bowl of mussels and frites.
Style: Dry, medium-bodied fruity white wine.
Terroir / Region: The region of Nelson sits on the northwest tip of New Zealand's South Island. Facing the waters of Tasman Bay, wrapped around the town of Nelson, it is an area of rolling hills, farmland and stunning scenery. With its north-facing vineyards, it is consistently the sunniest region in the country. Waimea Estate's vines are planted on the stony, free-draining soils of the Waimea Plains, giving their wines a distinctive richness and character.
Producer: Winemaker Michael Brown believes that good wine is made in the vineyard, and Waimea Estates is not afraid to do what it takes to ensure the best grapes possible arrive in the winery. Controlling yields by ditching part of the crop might be psychologically difficult, and plucking leaves to ensure perfect ripeness is painstaking work, but Waimea feels the effort is worth it. The wines that result are truly expressive of the Nelson terroir.
Availability: 400 cases will be officially released Saturday, February 20 in Vintages. But check the LCBO website, since some stores' shelves are already stocked. Look for it in the New Zealand section.
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. | 750 mL | #694737
Remember your reusable shopping bag & please enjoy responsibly.
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