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

This wine might be starting to fade already, as its citrus and nectarine flavors seem to be lacking just a bit in vibrance and intensity. Good, but drink up—or look for the 2007.——J.C.(3/1/2008)—— 84