Claire and Mike Allan, who established Huia Vineyards in 1996, were drawn to the sunny, storied region of Marlborough by the intense fruit flavors of its wines. The Huia winery is focused on creating hand-crafted wines that express the unique richness of Marlborough grapes. Huia features its namesake bird’s feather on its label as an emblem of quality.

The 2005 Sauvignon Blanc was harvested from five different vineyards, spread over the Wairau Valley section of Marlborough. The vineyard sites were selected to increase the depth of varietal flavor. Harvest started early April with the young Sauvignon Blanc vines from their two most herbaceous vineyards and ended late April with their last block of Sauvignon Blanc. Some of the grapes were hand picked then whole bunch pressed. A small percentage of the juice went through indigenous yeast fermentation in old French oak. The remaining portion was cold fermented in stainless steel.

On the nose, this aromatic wine shows uplifting bright gooseberry and ripe citrus scents. It is finely structured with multiple layers of fresh squeezed passion fruit, pineapple, lime and flower notes on the palate. The flavors are intense and long. This refreshing white is delicious with mussels cooked in Sauvignon Blanc, marinated fish with dill, oysters, prawns, scallops and goat, sheep and feta cheeses.

—Donald