Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2008

Tropical fruit and stonefruits with a fresh zesty finish.

Kim Crawford has consistently offered a well-priced, quality Sauvignon Blanc since the winery was founded in 1996. The 2004 is no exception. Crawford keeps quality high by using grapes from low-yielding vineyards, but holds down costs with machine harvesting. The grapes come from four subareas in Marlborough, and the entire production was bottled with screw caps.

Saline, citrus, minty and smoky aromas, along with a suggestion of sake. Then round and fleshy in the mouth, but with penetrating flavors of gooseberry, mint and fresh herbs. A confusing blend of thickness of texture and very dry, penetrating flavors. Finishes with a slight sour edge.

The iconic New Zealand wineryrsquo;s Sauvignon Blanc hits all the right notes in 2007, featuring lush stone-fruit flavors accented by less ripe note of fresh herbs and capsicum. A fine apeacute;ritif, or try served with herb-seasoned shellfish. Drink now and over the next six months.

Not overly aggressive, this light- to medium-weight Sauvignon Blanc features fresh leafy herbs, but also boasts plenty of melon and grapefruit to maintain its balance. A little soft on the finish, but clean, with lingering notes of pink grapefruit.

Explosively aromatic, brimming with spice, herb and peppery character, surprisingly docile in the mouth, with lovely pear, apple, melon and mineral flavors that linger enticingly. Impeccably balanced. Drink now.

This wine has evolved toward scents of honeysuckle and orange marmalade, its pithy flavors of orange peel grounded in earthiness. With a year in bottle, itrsquo;s fragrant and still fresh, ready for grilled prawns.