What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2010 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc

I'm always a sucker for Sauvignon Blanc... no matter what the region.  Agift that we were finally able to taste was the 2010 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc.  Not only was this bottle a fantastic example of Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc style, but the memories surrounding it will always be remembered in my mind.  I hope that those who shared it at Taste of the Himalayas will always recall the fantastic wine we drank that night... and all the laughs, as well!

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc

(Photo from Google Images)

The D-2010 Scale 

2010 Sauvignon Blanc by Whitehaven (Marlborough, New Zealand)

Appearance (10 points possible): Faint, pale yellow, clear.  Perfect appearance for a fresh, new Sauvignon Blanc without any barrel aging. - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Grapefruit, guava, gooseberry, fresh pineapple, cat urine (yes! I did just say "cat urine"), fresh cut grass. - 20 points

Taste (10 points possible): Thin bodied, acidic, fresh tropical flavors mid-palate and a grassy finish.  This is the traditional style for this region.  - 10 points

Balance (5 points possible): No part of this wine really stood out as being over-baring and it was, again, signature New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. - 5 points

Finish (5 points possible): Grassy flavor, smooth, easy drinking, linger flavor. - 5 points 

Add 50 points for attempt, packaging, closure, etc.

Total Points: 100

Overall Thought: This wine really couldn't go wrong.  You know with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you're going to get some of those grassy, vegetative notes, the fresh grapefruit and gooseberry flavors (does anyone really know what a gooseberry tastes like?), the fruit forward flavors, the thin body, the crisp acidity, and the overall easy drinking wine that it is meant to be.  Additionally, most of these bottles from New Zealand are always topped with a screw cap.  It should be noted that these wines are meant to be drunk within 2 years max. 

Food Pairings: Try this with spicy foods or citrus based foods.  Of course, we matched this wine with chickpea-based foods.  I always like this style of wine on its own, too.  It is refreshing and fun.  Everyone needs a little bit of that every once and awhile.

Cost: About $12 to $20 depending on where you purchase it

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1 - You can't find a better sparking wine that is a constant crowd pleaser at this price.

Where to buy: Look at your local wine distributor.  Gallo owns this label, so you can also try purchasing it through their website: E&J Gallo Wines.