The Wine Curmudgeon:  "Wine of the Week.  There are two kinds of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The $10-$12 wines are full of citrus flavors and aroma, usually grapefruit, and not much else. The $15-$18 wines are more sophisticated � the citrus is still there, but it�s not as overwhelming, and there is more taste in the middle and a better finish.  Both are fine styles of wine, and the Wine Curmudgeon drinks a lot of each. But I really get excited when I find a New Zealand wine that has the qualities of the second group at more or less the price of the first group. Such is the Matua, which (normally) retails for around $13.

It has lots of New Zealand-style citrus up front, as much lime as grapefruit. It�s not subtle, but it�s not supposed to be. What�s best, though, is that the Matua has a wonderful, pineapply-y middle."  March, 2009.

Dispatch Kitchen Wine Review:  "This is another Sauvignon Blanc success from New Zealand.  It's grassy and grapefruity, with a good tartness in the mouth and a reasonable complexity for the price."  April, 2009

The Frugal Oenologist:  The really good New Zealand Marlboroughs, like the Giesen, go well beyond the merely citrus tastes that characterize the cheaper ones. The good ones have a truly delightful element of newly mown grass about them, but are expensive. This bottle has a nice combination of lime and pineapple tastes and at least a hint of grassiness....Get it while it lasts." September, 2009.

Winemaker:  "Matua Valley was the first New Zealand winery to produce Sauvignon Blanc, establishing it as an innovator and pioneer of New Zealand viticulture. The nose shows tropical and citrus fruits along with herbaceous varietal characters. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough acidity giving structure and length. A fresh and fruit driven Sauvignon Blanc perfect for drinking now."

Wired For Wine:  This medium-bodied white is great for an aperitif or pair with roast chicken, grilled pork, fish (particularly with a Meuniere sauce), or raw oysters. It will be delicious with a green salad with asparagus, tomatoes, or goat cheese.  Drink now

Size:  750 ml
Varietal:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol:  13.0%
Vintage:  2008
Region:  Marlborough, New Zealand