The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc has a vibrant nose with hints of tropical fruit: orange zest and apricot with subtle herbaceous tones on the palate, a more nuanced take on the grape than the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. Neudorf is undoubtedly one of the leading lights of Nelson, one of the top wineries in New Zealand. Located on north-facing slopes in the Moutere Hills on sandy-loam topsoil with clay subsoil that engender natural acidity; under winemaker John Kavanagh, Neudorf is producing high quality wines that aspire towards the Old World, suffused with minerality and nervosite. Everything except the Sauvignon Blanc is hand-picked and generally the Brightwater wines are fermented using cultured yeasts whilst the Mouteres use wild ferments.Importer: Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA; tel. (831) 689-9080

Perfectly blends passion fruit with ripe peach and nectarine notes to yield a refreshing combination that folds in just enough herbal complexity. This medium-bodied SB’s appealing flavors linger on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.——J.C.(9/1/2008)—— 90