The 2007 Sauvignon Reserve Release, which went through full malolactic fermentation. Light straw-colored, it offers up a fragrant bouquet of smoke, baking spices, mineral, melon, and mango. On the palate it is round, ripe, concentrated, and well balanced. This lengthy, pleasure-bent Sauvignon should continue to blossom for a year or two and drink well through 2014. De Bortoli produces a substantial amount of wine (it has four winemaking facilities) but under the leadership of manager/winemaker Stephen Webber this has not been a deterrent to high quality. Eight value wines were reviewed in Issue 178 and merit serious interest. The main winery facility which I visited in September 2008 is located in the cooler climate Yarra Valley where the focus is on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Importer: De Bortoli Wines USA, Hoboken, NJ; tel. (201) 714-9700