Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley 2009

Vintage after vintage Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is consitently delicious. Grapes are selected from vineyards in Marlborough.’s Wairau Valley and the neighboring Awatere Valley. Fast draining, alluvial loams over gravelly sub soils in these valleys provide ideal growing conditions for our Sauvignon Blanc. Individual blocks of grapes are kept separate throughout the various stages of the winemaking process. Fermentations are carried out at cool temperatures and when all tanks had completed ferment the blending takes place to create the best wine possible. A terrific value.

Vibrant acidity plays with tropical fruit and a fresh grassiness. Soft and easy on the palate, a long full force finish that will leave you with banana and passion fruit on your mind.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concentrated and complex, with vivid passion fruit, grapefruit and tangy peach flavors. Vibrant minerality and tangy lime juice acidity keep thumping through the finish. Drink now.