Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2005

When wine tasting earlier this year at a store in Queenstown, NZ I was asked whether I prefer white wine or red wine. I thought about it and answered that I actually prefer cool climate wines over warm climate wines. I adore Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc and so I was in my version of wine heaven in NZ. I am mad about their wine, particularly the Sauvies (as the locals call them). I bought this one as a special treat (locally here in the UK) to celebrate the arrival of My Kate to British shores. And I tried not to convert pounds to NZ dollars *wry smile*

What can I say: Floral, crisp, zesty.. Definitely tastes of passionfruit and limes. My favourite :)

Interestingly, it has a smidge of Semillion (3%, not that I could tell), and a small portion has spent some time fermenting in oak barrel, which I thought was unusual for a sauvignon blanc, but is apparently not an uncommon trick used to give the wine a little more body. I only learnt about this trend on my trip to NZ earlier in the year.

I have been to the Lawson's winery in Malborough and the staff at the cellar door were just fabulous. If you ever see it, their late Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2004 is just divine !!

Overall: I love Malborough Sauvignon Blanc and this one is just delicious!!

Rioja Reserva 2002, Berberana

This baby was wine of the week at Majestics, otherwise known as the wacky wine warehouse, and so we got to taste a little before purchase. And the verdict was good, and so the gang ended up buying a few bottles. I'm new to the Rioja region, this one's 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache, which is typical for a red Rioja. I had had some Tempranillo experience in Australia, I think they grow it in Mildura and maybe a bit in Rutherglenn.

The wine smelt beautiful, I'm such a sucker for aromatic wines, with lots of obvious vanilla and "pudding" smells. With two years over oak, it's probably on the upper level of oaki-ness for me, but it gave the wine a nice dry finish. Didn't quite suck your tongue out of your face, but would definitely be best to be drunk with food rather than without. This bottle was enjoyed with a Turkish salad and cheese at a friend's place. Nice :)

The label says:
A perfectly made Rioja with at least two years ageing in oak. Delicious vanilla overtones backed up by juicy soft strawberry flavours.

Overall: I might not buy this particular one again, but I am definitely going to explore more of this delicious Spanish varietal!