The annual Friends of New Zealand Wine Caucus recently hosted its third annual “Capitol Hill Wine Tasting” which showcased more than 30 wines from the island nation. I look forward to this event each year because I inevitably find value-oriented wines that feature great fruit, structure and acidity. In addition, I always enjoy speaking with New Zealand’s Ambassador, Roy Ferguson, who is equal parts diplomat and wine enthusiast. Best of all, these wines arrive just in time to quench the thirst of palates parched by the summer heat.
New Zealand, located in the southern hemisphere just east of Australia, is blessed with a diverse number of growing regions — thanks to the dramatic diversity in climate and soil composition — initially made its mark in the wine world with crisp sauvignon blanc wines. But with more than 10 different appellations blessed with cooling maritime influences — including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago — dramatic regional differences can be found throughout the country, leading winemakers to experiment with a number of other varietals.
For example, the warmer Northland region provides a perfect growing environment for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The world famous Sauvignon Blanc wines of Marlborough get their characteristic tropical fruit and citrus notes — mentioned above — from the long, warm days and the cool nights, fueled by the ocean’s breezes. The temperate climate and silty loam soil of Hawkes Bay’s vineyards produce remarkable wines from Chardonnay and Riesling grapes.
There were so many wonderful wines on display this year that it was difficult to decide which of my favorites to include. So I selected the following wines based on their crisp style and availability in the local market. Retail prices are approximate.
2007 Giesen “The Brothers” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($11)
The nose exhibits intense aromas of gooseberry, guava and passion fruit that lead to well-delineated flavors of grapefruit, stone fruits and more gooseberry on the structured palate. A hint of grassy notes dangle on the crisp, refreshing finish.
2008 Saint Clair ‘Vicar’s Choice’ Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12)
Lovely bouquet of stone fruit and citrus aromas fill the glass. The bright flavors of gooseberry, passion fruit and grapefruit bring summer right onto your tongue. The abundant acidity keeps the finish crisp and refreshing.
2007 Spy Valley Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand ($16)
Wonderful aromas of white peach, rose petal and petrol (not a bad thing, trust me) on the fragrant bouquet leap from the glass. Incredible structure supports beautifully integrated flavors of nectarine, citrus, melon and pineapple dance across the palate. The just-off-dry finish leaves just a trace sweetness on the long, luscious finish.
2008 Seifried Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson, New Zealand ($17)
This crisp riesling sports a delicate aroma of canned peaches, acacia flowers and slate-like minerality. The bright acidity really plays up the lively flavors of passion fruit, tropical fruit, tart nectarine and pineapple notes across the entire palate. The wine is kept fresh and clean on the lengthy, succulent finish.
2008 Millton Chardonnay Riverpoint Vineyard, Gisborne, New Zealand ($18)
From a new, bio-dynamically farmed winery in Gisborne comes this impressive chardonnay, which is almost Chablis-like in style. The bouquet is full of white peach, nectarine and ripe pear. The palate exhibits fresh fruit-driven notes of apple and stone fruits with hints of bright citrus and steely mineral flavors on the crisp finish.
2007 Lawson’s Dry Hills, Gewurztraminer, Marlborough, New Zealand ($18)
Remarkable nose of Lychee, rose water and ginger scents. Ripe, luscious flavors apricot, more Lychee and white peach dominate the entire front of the palate while hints of ginger glide in on the well-balanced and mouthwatering finish.
2007 Nautilus Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($30)
This is a great example of what New Zealand winemakers are doing with some red wine varietals. This example features an attractive nose of ripe cherries and violets leading into round flavors of red plums, wild strawberries and cherries in the mouth. The balance between fruit and acidity provides an elegant finish featuring notes of chocolate and spice.
2007 Seresin Leah Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($30)
The brooding nose is full of rich aromas of black cherry, cocoa, roasted coffee and cinnamon. The palate displays dense flavors of dark cherry, wild strawberry and boysenberry fruit with hints of vanilla and toasty oak on the lush, refined finish.
2006 Seifried “Sweet Agnes” Riesling, Nelson, New Zealand ($27/half bottle)
This is a fun dessert wine featuring intense flavors of dried apricot, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and candied ginger are rich and concentrated on the palate. The abundant acidity keeps the wine fresh and the flavors in check so it never feels too sweet but keeps the finish long and clean. This wine is a great way to start or end any occasion.
