Babich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Black Label 2010

A bit softer and rounder than most 2002s from Marlborough, but still refreshing. Its lively balance shows off the melon, lime and spice flavors, echoing nicely on the finish. Consistently a very good wine. Drink now.

Citrusy lime, grapefruit and soft melon notes intertwine with mineral and herbal nuances. The crisp, lively nature of this New Zealand white will keep you coming back for one more sip. It is the perfect complement to your favorite seafood or fish dish, and will not break the bank in the process.

Pungent, highly aromatic nose combines fresh herbs, gooseberry, white grapefruit, orange zest and honeydew. Supple, ripe and easygoing, with concentrated fruit, sound acidity and good weight in the mouth. Finishes with mouthcoating persistence. An excellent early example from this short harvest.

Josip Babich was one of the fathers of the Kiwi wine industry, planting his first vines in 1916. His three children, Joe, Peter and Maureen, control the company now, and several grandchildren are involved. Winemaker Adam Hazeldine used two Marlborough vineyards, one in Awatere Valley and the other in Waihopai Valley, to make this Sauvignon Blanc.

Fresh and fruity, this enticing white is top-heavy with appealing citrus aromas and flavors, showing a lot of peach and lime on the polished finish. Great price. Drink now.

Not as rich as the 2000, but still a marvelous wine, tangy and dry. Opens with a burst of lime, gooseberry and spicy-smoky green-apple aromas that are fresh and clean. It has first-class slate and lime flavors and great acidity; it is a full, round, crisp wine that's utterly refreshing. The tart, citrus finish will perfectly complement a wide array of foods.

Winemaker Notes - The bouquet is an inviting mix of tropical, passion-fruit aromas with notes of musk and box hedge. Palate entry is luscious and lively, bursting with red current, gooseberry and passion-fruit, rounding off with a hint of capsicum. This is a fantastic example of Black Label Sauvignon that is equally enjoyable on its own and with food.