Left sur lie for up to ten months, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc shows aromas of green apples and lemon juice with an herbal undercurrent owing to the very cool 2012 vintage that made the Sauvignon a bit greener than normal. On the palate, it is crisp, clean and a little grassy with a citrus lift through the long, zesty finish. Drink it now to 2015. German born and recent immigrants to New Zealand, Kai Schubert and wife Deimling both studied at Geisenheim University in Germany before traveling the world in search of a place to produce great Pinot Noir. Having worked in Australia, California, Oregon and around Europe, they finally settled on a small but beautiful corner of Martinborough in1998. The two of them are now more local than most of the locals and great proponents for the region. Their Single Block Pinots are amongst the finest in New Zealand, exhibiting more of a restrained, structured style that makes them approachable in youth, but thry really blossom with a few years’ aging.Imported by Singular Selections, Martin Tiersky, Chicago, IL; tel. (847) 864-1612

Schubert’s 2009 Sauvignon Blanc has intense citrus and grapefruit aromas with some grass and a pleasant yeasty/creamy undercurrent plus a touch of gooseberry. Crisp with good weight and texture, it gives a long zesty finish. Drink it now to 2012. Importer: Singular Selections, Martin Tiersky, Chicago, IL; tel. (847) 864-1612