Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine
 

Thornbury 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Thornbury produces wine with an aim to be the best possible expression of each varietal and region. Therefore when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, Thornbury could only really only have one choice for region, Marlborough, regarded by many as the best region in the world for producing Sauvignon Blanc. The sub-regions in Marlborough could however prove trickier. The question that must have been posed at Thornbury at some stage was whether to go for a particular sub-region or go for two or three sub-regions in order to create a wine that is reflective of the whole region but might loose some of the vibrancy or characteristics of some of the sub-regions.

Thornbury decided to make this wine as an expression of the entire region and have sourced fruit from three of the best sub-regions, the Awatere, Wairau and Waihopai Valleys to craft such a wine. Despite the spread of their locations, Thornbury’s vineyards are located on free-draining stony soils giving some consistency.Ther4e was also consistency with vine management between the sites, and timely canopy management along with attention to vine health helped to optimise the flavours at harvest.

Once harvested, fruit was destemmed and gently pressed. A portion of the juice was also given extended skin contact to extract the vibrant varietal aromas. The juice was cool fermented with selected yeasts to maximise and retain as much varietal flavour and aroma as possible. Lees aging helped to develop the palate weight while further enhancing the intensity and structure of the wine.

I found this wine to have a vibrant and lively bouquet of grapefruit, citrus and gooseberry with some other herbal notes. On the palate, I found the 2008 Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to exhibit those wonderful varietal characters of gooseberry and nettle, combined with tropical fruit flavours. Also present were underlying notes of capsicum and lemongrass. It is an extremely well balanced wine with a lingering dry finish.

I would recommend this wine with seafood, especially fresh fish or a lightly seasoned chicken dish. As with all Sauvignon Blanc it is best to drink within one to two years. For something different, you could try this wine with sushi, especially when the sushi contains chicken or salmon.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (31/7/2009)
 

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