Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Blanc 2006

A group of enterprising friends comprised of Winemakers John Buechsenstein and Paul Dolan plus restaurant and culinary experts John Ash and Tom Meyer have found an attractive vehicle for marketing their collective favorite white wine variety. Sauvignon Republic Cellars now has three labels: Marlborough New Zealand, Stellenbosch South Africa, and Russian River Valley California.

These guys appreciate the variations you can get when you go around the world looking for Sauvignon Blanc. I agree and think they're onto something and am hoping they also bottle some wine from France and as well as the Columbia Valley in the future.

Excellent value ($18). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 13%.

Style: Citrus-y, a bit tropical, a bit green, un-wooded, very tart and dry.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Pale straw with a greenish tint. Aromas: Gooseberry, passionfruit, celery and green herbs. The tart acidity is in high gear, providing an overall intense Marlborough experience and a shrilling finish.

Comment: Pucker up buttercup.