Normally, I go to great lengths to avoid trying something with a "gimmicky" sounding appellation. Yet, a small voice within guided my hand to seize a bottle of 2006 Monkey Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The label was adorned with a stylized etching of one of our closest relations, replete with long curled tail and limbs seeming to be forming an imitation of what now passes for social dancing. But enough of the background; Let us progress with the wine!
Those who are fortunate enough to live in an area where fresh lumpfin crab is available are objects of my envy. However, whenever my penurious nature can bend a bit, I purchase a refrigerated 1 lb. can of Indonesian crabmeat, which provides an ideal base for the crab cakes that we enjoyed last night, accompanied by some ethereal fragrant Basmati rice.
Bracing myself for something un-memorable at best and un-drinkable at worst, I took a deep breath and popped the cork after proper chilling. What greeted my nostrils were an intense floral mixture of apple and citrus. The pale greenish tint to the muted gold tone seemed to glow as I poured the fluid into my glass. Rather than the slightly sweet overtone that I have come to expect in most Marlborough SB's, this was almost completely dry, but not to a degree that makes one pucker and cause one's companion to think that you wished to be kissed upon the lips. The intensity of character persisted throughout the meal, and the compelling nose is still present in the bottle residue the next morning.
Being a low 12.5% alcohol content, I would not be prone to put aside a case with the intention of opening it in 2027, but for current drinking, I stand fully impressed in both the quality and value. Hopefully, it won't be all snapped up by the time that I return to the store in the big city for some additional bottles. On the Davis scale, a solid 17.
Godzilla