WineLife365

From: New Zealand

Price: $12.99

I’ve openly admitted that I personally love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  I can’t even remember the last one that I’ve tasted that I thought was just “so-so”.  I do know, however, that I’ve never tasted one that I thought was either bad or awful.  Unfortunately, the 2008 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand broke the streak.  The 2008 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc is the most disappointing, or “so-so”, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that I’ve tasted this year.  This white wine lacked all of strong characteristics that I love about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  If I were to have tasted this Sauvignon Blanc blindfolded, I would have sworn that it came from France, not New Zealand.  It just lacked that exciting fresh, grassy, citrusy zip that I really enjoy about New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.  Instead, the 2008 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc had more of a minerally and chalky taste to it that reminded me of a French Sauvignon Blanc.  

The competition is fierce in Marlborough, New Zealand when it comes to first-rate Sauvignon Blanc.  For a few bucks more you can taste the good stuff. Grab a bottle of Villa Maria or Kim Crawford instead.  If you want to keep it in the same price range, Oyster Bay, that we reviewed earlier this year, is the way to go.

WineLife365 Rating: 2-Star