The fruit of our two Marlborough vineyards were blended to produce this rich and flavoursome wine: Cowslip Valley (Waihopai), providing full, soft and luscious fruit weight, and Wakefield Downs (Awatere), bringing strength and focus.

Rating

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a quintessential herbaceous nose with gooseberry and a touch of mango on the sharp, crisp, perhaps slightly raspy finish. Located in the suburbs of Auckland, Babich is one of the stalwarts of New Zealand viticulture since Dalmatian-born Josip Babich planted the first vines in 1912. Similar to Villa Maria, they are a large, family-owned enterprise, headed by Peter and Joe Babich who look after two wineries in Auckland and Marlborough (the latter co-owned.) Their premium wines such as Irongate and Patriarch are sourced from their own vineyards, supplemented by long-term contracts with growers for their comprehensive, more commercial range. Robert Parker 87 points (Apr 2008) Bright and open-textured, with very good depth to apple, grass and grapefruit flavors. Stone notes underscore the finish. Drink now. 150,000 cases made. –DS Wine Spectator 86 points (Apr 30 2008)