Sourced from Awatere Valley, the superb 2007 Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc has an enticing minerally nose with scents of mica and granite, the palate very well-balanced with “edgy” acidity and apple blossom on the finish. Villa Maria is perhaps the most recognized names in New Zealand, founded in 1961 by George Fistonich who showed his wines at their impressive new facility located in an extinct volcano just outside Auckland airport that opened in 2005. Although they are one of New Zealand’s major producers, they remain family-owned and their philosophy has more in common with the boutique wineries than the major brands. They also own Esk Valley, Thornbury and Vidal whose notes can be found elsewhere. At the moment I find their Pinot Noirs rather forced and over-extracted but that is compensated by some outstanding Syrahs Importer, Vineyard Brands Inc., Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802; fax (205) 980-0408