Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Growing Region: Awatere Valley, New Zealand

Owner/ Winemaker: Glenn Thomas

TASTING NOTE:
The Awatere Valley is truly a special place in the southern part of the 'greater' Marlborough wine growing region. The 'Terrior' and yes when we are talking about the Tupari vineyards we are definitely talking about 'Terrior' - is very unique. This wine is a blend of two discreet areas on the Tupari vineyard. One a gently sloping, north facing block, producing intense passion-fruit flavours. The other block is situated on a gravely, flat site along the 'Awatere River' yielding stone fruit and silky mineral notes.

The grapes were harvested when the favours were at their most intense and complex. On arrival at the winery the fruit was gently pressed and the juice of the two batches was fermented separately. Specially selected yeast strains were used, and the wine was left on its lees for 5 months, with these being stirred weekly, to enhance the creamy palate texture and mouth feel of this wine. The two batches were then blended prior to bottling in September 2008.

The Tupari style is one of understated elegance with intensity of flavour and fine palate structure. This 2008 Tupari Sauvignon Blanc shows lifted citrus blossom and fresh peach and passion-fruit notes on the nose. The creamy palate has rich mineral and citrus flavours that fill the mouth and linger and the wine is underpinned by a crisp acidity, finishing clean and bright.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer; and well into 2010.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with any fish cuisine, goat cheese and with onion tart, enjoy.

Simply setting the standard.