Question Re Murdoch James Estate (Martinborough)

Greetings Swoop!

I have not tried their Sauvignon - they are a boutique vineyard, recently organically certified; most of their wines are exported - chasing the market for organic product; they regularly sell out and are not seen too much in retail outlets here on Auckland.

Thus, the wines are more expensive than "mainstream" - but whether one would describe them to be "exquisite" is a matter for you determine

I have included below comments from a couple of NZs more respected wine writers

Michael Cooper "Still very youthful, the 2002 vintage (3 1/2 Stars), is so punchy and zingy, it could easily pass for a Marlborough wine. Freshly herbaceous on the nose, it's a distinctly cool-climate style with incisive melon and green capsicum flavours cut with fresh acidity."

Vic Williams (Rating: 5) "This classy little number has savoury notes to go with the typical pungency on the bouquet and a flavour structure that luxuriates in sweet fruit. Typically varietal acids save themselves for a lively, refreshing finish. Classy stuff! It's the ultimate vegetable wine. Enjoy it with char-grilled curettes, asparagus and eggplant".

Take a look at their website at

Seasons Greetings

Thankyou kind sir. May 2004 be a great year for your good self & the family. :>)

Hooroo..... Swooper

I tasted at the vineyard back in February. I don't remember the Sauvignon particularly, but was disappointed in the Pinot Noirs they offered on that day, compared with Ata Rangi or Palliser.

Actually, as they are further out of town than most of the Martinborough wineries, and are not really a major name locally, the main reason for visiting was the prospect of lunch - their cafe has a good reputation. Unfortunately, the cafe was closed that day.

I missed them also at the Toast Martinborough Festival last month. It's not practicable to visit and taste (and eat and listen to the music) at all the wineries. It was a great day, and well worth attending if anyone is visiting this part of the world in November.

--brian

Thanks Brian. Looks like Palliser will remain the $ NZ SB in my shop. :>)

Regards Swooper

Do you have a reason for preferring Martinborough to Marlborough for SB?

--brian

Not particularly, but I have Marlborough covered by Giesen, Montana and Mt Riley, (I know there are better wines, but with QPR considerations they do sell well), so after the good Lord St H put me onto Palliser a few vintages ago, I have created a niche following for that wine. I was thinking , as I am known to do, I give certain wines a 'holiday', whilst replacing with a boutique wine previously unseen in the shop. The benefit is twofold. Firstly, the unseen wine races off the shelf, (yes I have enough trusting regulars who will try almost anything I select from a wine show), then when the regular wine returns to the shelves, it too sells fast as people notice it is back. Personally, many of my customers are already tiring of the fruit bomb style SB's and are now leaning towards the more subtle styles. FWIW, some little known West Aust SB's are supplying that at great QPR..... Willespie Wines and Forest Hill Vineyards, both from the deightful Margaret River region.

Regards Swooper.

"swooper wrote..........

Hey Swoop - I don't know how it stacks up price wise in Aus. but if you can get yourself a sample bottle, try the Wither Hills Sauvignon - also out of Marlborough.

I rate this right up there with Cloudy Bay - consistently very good every year.

WH was purchased by Lion Breweries last year - and has brought the price down co that it sells for $NZ17-20 compared to CB at $NZ22-25

Have a great 2004

Thanks for the tip StH..... but according to the 'bible' (Thompsons Liquor Guide), Wither Hills is not imported. May have to ring Lion Nathan after the holiday break and ask the Q.

You too have a great 2004..... and hopefully we will meet this year.

Regards Swooper

Found it....and ordered some. It will sell around the $20AUD mark, so the first few cases will sell regardless..... then we make decisions re keeping it in stock. Did not taste it...... but as it is distributed via Brian Croser's "Distinguished Wines", I know it will be fine. :>)

Regards Swooper

Hi Swoop

Glad you could find it - it has consistently been one of the top Sauvignons out of Marlborough for several years.

You an feel very confident in recommending it - particularly if you are the only one stocking it in your area.

Comes with Lord St.Helier's personal recommendation.

atb

Well St.H, you have done it again. Tried a bottle last night. Pale yellow colour, subtlety of citrus, finesse and balance as opposed to the fruit bomb style, with a long lasting mouth feel. I loved it.

Even the trouble 'n' strife was delighted, to the point , when she arrived home, was asked if she desired a glass. She replied "no". When encouraged to at least try it, passed my last full glass, and, that was the end of the glass. One mouthful, she said, "Oooh, thats beautiful, thanks, I will have a glass", and sat. :