The 2007 Francis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is whole-cluster pressed then matured under 12% new French oak for 11 months. An intense nose, slightly herbaceous with touches of gooseberry and wild nettle, then in the background a touch of chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied, quite soft and subtle on the entry, nice acidity, builds nicely again in the mouth with subtle tropical tones (guava and passion fruit) peeking their heads around the corner, segueing into an attractive spicy finish. Impressive – just a shame there will be no 2008! Brian Bicknell is continuing to invest in Mahi since ceasing his consultancy work in 2006. The winery was still being constructed in January but thanks to the late harvest it was completed a week before the grapes were picked. He feels that the work they have put into their contracted vineyards that are certified organic, are beginning to pay dividends.Importer: Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 533-9463

The seductive 2006 Francis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is more tropical in style with hints of mango and pineapple, the palate very well poised with orange zest and mandarin on the oily finish. Respected winemaker Brian Bicknell established Mahi (meaning “our work, our craft”) in 2001 having made wine at Errazuriz in Chile and then undertaking much consultancy work in Marlborough in the late 1990’s, including Seresin amongst others. He first acquired the 1.5 hectares Byrne vineyard containing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, his approach to make a natural, “hands-off” style of wine and in 2003 he began sourcing fruit from the Twins Vineyard in the Wairau Valley planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But it was not until he resigned his consultancy commitments in 2006 that he could devote himself fully to Mahi. These are exciting wines crafted by a man with great experience.Importer: Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 533-9463; fax (215) 533-8163