The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is refined on the nose: green apple, touch of freshly cut lime and orange peel. The palate is well balanced, crisp and taut towards the spicy finish. Good length. Very fine, although somehow, I prefer the entry level Pencarrow! One of Martinborough’s finest exponents, I think Palliser Estate deserve as much attention as the likes of Ata Rangi and Martinborough Vineyard because these wines deliver time and time again. Their Pencarrow range offers affordable entry-level wines that offer great value.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993; fax (707) 259-1510

The 2008 Palliser Estate SB is an interesting blend of ripe fig and melon fruit with grassier notes that finish on capsicum (bell pepper) notes. It’s round and weighty enough to pair with some slightly richer dishes, like herbed chicken, not just seafood.——J.C.(9/1/2009)—— 89