The Winemakers Reserve has great depth and complexity and is a distinctive counterpart to its moderately priced sibling. The fruit from two separate Marlborough vineyards was blended to produce this rich and flavorful wine. The grapes were harvested in late April and early May of ’05. The majority of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks to capture the intense varietal character of the fruit and a tiny bit was fermented in French oak to provide the wine with additional weight. The wine was blended in August of ’05 and was just released from the winery.

Passion fruit aromas mingle with mineral, bright gooseberry, ripe citrus and sweet snap pea scents to form a highly complex bouquet. The palate is crisp and powerful with layers of fresh squeezed passion fruit, pineapple and lime flavors. Notes of tropical fruit cocktail and green melon zest round out the palate. The finish is lifted by vibrant acidity, which interplays with a nuanced suggestion of French oak, and lingers pleasantly. This refreshing white is delicious with oysters, prawns, scallops, mussels cooked in Sauvignon Blanc, marinated fish with dill, and goat, sheep and feta cheeses.

—Donald