The 2001 Sauvignon Piere admirably combines freshness and ripeness in its sizeable nose of herbs, white melon, figs, and sage, and the fermentation and aging, which use both stainless steel and oak, give a stylish and substantial expression of the variety which states its identity without compromising weight and length. The top of the line Sauvignon has been, along with Angelo Gaja’s Alteni di Brassica, Italy’s finest since the 1990s. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Fresh, crisp, lightly grassy flavors make this wine instantly refreshing. There are touches of apricots and green plums, and a center which is ripe and full. ——R.V.(7/1/2003)—— 86