Boston Wine Expo 2002 - Saturday
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs

People who hang out in my forum know that I'm hugely into New Zealand right now because of a certain Aragornian ranger from Lord of the Rings :) I've always enjoyed New Zealand wines, so I figured I'd do a sweep of their Sauvignon Blancs and compare them. Because New Zealand has an opposite season from the US, they were already pouring their 2001 wines as well as their 2000s.

We began with the Huia 2001 Sauvignon Blanc, a bargain at $13. This had an incredible nose, with a light, fresh, flowery flavor. A long, delicious finish too. This is a glass of wine to wave towards someone who has never tried a Sauvignon Blanc before - the aroma will hook them :)

Next was the Kemblefield 2000 Sauvignon Blanc, created by John Kemble. It was light and crisp, not as overwhelmingly floral as the Huia. The 2000 Chardonnay was creamy, soft and light, with a fruity flavor. This ages for 9 months in French oak.

The Lynskey's Wairau Peaks 2001 Gewurztraminer was light and crisp, with great flavors of rose and lychee in it. Their 2001 Sauvignon Blanc had a light aroma, and a light, citrus, lemon grass flavor.

The Millsreef Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2001 was mild, with a light aroma.

The 2001 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc was sharp and fresh, with a crisp citrus flavor. It was very lively, with a tingly sensation when you drank.

The Palliser Esteles was floral and fruity, with a good aroma.

The Okama Springs 2001 Sauvignon Blanc was very balanced, with peach, passionfruit and mineral flavors. This was one of the more interesting flavor combinations of the group.

Finally, the 2001 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc was creamy, melony, smooth and light. This table took care to serve their wine at the right, cool temperature, and it really made a difference in how it tasted.

Saturday
Champagnes & Sparkling Wines
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Chef Ming Tsai cooks Beef & Shitake Stew
Stonington Vineyards, a Local Favorite
Anapamu in Monterey CA
Amity from Oregon
The Ports

Sunday
Wines from South Africa
South African Chardonnays
Bordeauxs
Chauteauneuf du Pape
Sean Doucet cooks Striped Bass
Riojas
Sparkling Shiraz
Sake and New York Wines
Sauternes
Muscatel, Amontillado, and Trockenbeerenauslese