WTN: Compare and contrast #2 - then and now - Sauv Blanc

Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Screwcap closure. 14% alc.

Tasted just prior to release - 5th Sep 2005
Juicy and fruity with a steely, earthy pungency and a beautifully balanced palate crammed with ripe stonefruit and passionfruit, and a vibrantly pungent finish.

Tasted 31st Oct 2007
Straw gold coloured, leesy and lemony with asparagus and canned pea on the nose and a creamy, full-bodied palate which has lost all its primary fruit and youthful punch. An excellent example of how Sauvignon Blanc goes vegetal with a little age.

These then-and-now tasting notes are excellent. Thanks for sharing them.

-- Clark

Sue wrote.......asparagus and canned pea on the nose. Reminds me of those old Montana SBs we used to see here in Alberta when NZ was starting to gain a foothold!!
Sue, never looked at asparagus and mushy peas as a sign of advancement!!!

Bob, used to see the vegetal characters develop much more quickly when the wines were under cork. Some peasy characters may be there to start, but the fruit characters are usually there too. When the fruit goes and all that is left is vegetables, then you either like it or you don't.
BTW, I notice that Canada always seems to be about a vintage behind, judging by the reviews I read.
Cheers,
Sue

Vintage behind? Yeah can be hopeless at times, but `07 Kim Crawford is here! Muscadet is a slow move and we never seem to have recent vintages on the shelves.

Love the blog!