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Wine of the Month

Muddy Water 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

In a sea of so many Sauvignon Blancs, the vast majority are the exuberant, pungent style. Muddy Water takes a different approach – grassy, herbaceous styles are not for them, they want a style that’s refreshingly different – bone dry and made to cellar. The Sauvignon is cropped at low levels and like all other Muddy Water wines, handled meticulously. It has flavours of limes, passionfruit and mineral wrapped into a weighty finish, a Sauvignon Blanc that will age and is made for food. It's a deliciously refreshing alternative from more herbaceous Marlborough styles, and a striking full bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Now available in shops around Ireland, here’s what a number of top wine writers say:

Sophisticated, subtle, and fresh; a wine that gradually unleashes its power and leaves a lasting impression. It has flavours of limes, passionfruit and mineral wrapped into a weightier finish, a Sauvignon Blanc that will age and is made for food. It has the Muddy Water trademark – immensely appealing for those who appreciate the deft touch. Bob Campbell, MW

Grapes for this lovely complex Sauvignon came from two distinctly different vineyards, one gravelly, the other clay rich. Grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed, fermented in stainless steel tanks and barrels using indigenous yeast then matured in barrels on lees for six months. The nose shows intense aromas of lime zest, flint and dried herbs. It’s beautifully refined on the palate with fine texture, well harmonised acidity and an expansive finish. A rich, complex Sauvignon, while remaining crisp and refreshing. This should be a beautiful food partner. At its best: now to 2013. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

CURRENT STOCKISTS

Redmonds, Ranelagh; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Thomas’s, Foxrock; D-Six, Harolds Cross; Lilac Wines, Fairview; McHughs, Kilbarrack and Malahide Road; 64 Wine, Glasthule; The Corkscrew, Chatham St; Wicklow Wine Co; Red Nose Wine, Clonmel; Thomas Woodberrys, Galway; Curious Wines, Cork; Cabot & Co, Westport.

E-mail Joyce for more on the superlative Muddy Water range.

Other top picks worth trying now in Ireland’s shops:

Best value Sauvignon Blanc – Wingspan 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson Named after the protective Harrier Hawks that soar above the vineyard, the Wingspan 2011 is brimming with vibrant tropical fruit and a fresh herb edge, it's minerally and mouthwatering on the finish. Smartly priced Savvie option, the perfect entertaining wine Click here for stockists
Tussock 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson Mouthfilling, richly flavoured with ripe aromas and fresh rich, tropical fruit and herbal flavours lingering very nicely. Wonderful luncheon, or entertaining Savvie . Click here for stockists
Greenhough 2009 Pinot Blanc, Nelson – New variety in the Greenhough range and very rare in New Zealand You could count on one hand the number of Pinot Blanc producers in New Zealand. And those that do it, do it very well. Greenhough is consistently rated one of our best producers. In the just released 09 vintage, aromas include ripe, fresh pears, star anise and a mealy, savouriness. On the palate a combination of fresh green and ripe pears with gingerbread spice to finish. The wine has a rich, creamy textural mouth-feel with a mellow softness balanced by refreshing minerality. Sophisticated food wine with potential for real complexity with time in bottle. Click here for stockists
Woollaston 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson A classy Sauvignon Bright and racy, one of the best yet from Woollaston, Nelson's highest altitude vineayrd. The new release is flavour-packed, a riper, tangy style with delicious aromas of limes, elderflower and tropical fruits. On the palate, juicy fruits linger to a long persistent finish. Click here for stockists
Coney 2008 Pizzicato Pinot Noir, Martinborough From the most established home of Pinot Noir in New Zealand, Coney has received numerous Gold's for this super wine. Martinborough is known for its earthy style and the 2008 has deep red, ripe cherry, plum, earthy aromas, sweet berry and vanillin coconut characters and smoky savoury overtones. Click here for stockists
Waipara Springs Premo Dry 2009 Riesling, Waipara Waipara holds the best reputation in New Zealand for the Riesling variety. From Waipara's founding vineyard this is a dry style of Riesling with aromas of peach, spice and flint with a minerality from limestone rich soils finishing with crisp clean acidity. Delicious drinking. Click here for stockists