Drylands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Sales of Drylands* 2005 Sauvignon Blanc jumped when Wine Spectator gave it 91 points. Darryl Woolley and his winemaking team (Alistair McIntosh and David Edmonds) seek to emphasize the uniqueness of Marlborough's terroir. Small lots of fruit from separate vineyard locations were fermented in stainless and allowed to remain on the lees for 2 additional weeks. Tasting Notes. Color: Light straw, greenish tint. Aromas: Lemon-lime, gooseberry, grass and pineapple. Light-bodied, the lime, grapefruit and peach flavors in the mouth finish dry and clean. Closure: Screw cap. Very nice value ($14).

*Since the 1990's, the development and ownership of Drylands Winery has proceeded from its start-up by Selaks, to being owned by Nobilo when Nobilo bought Selaks in 1998, to being owned by Constellation Brands when C-Brands bought Nobilo. The Nobilo group also started and owns the enormously successful Monkey Bay label, and they also own Hardy's and Stonehaven in Australia.