Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc 2009 3L

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™..
I have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand).  The Chardonnay was not impressive.  Light and fruity with little oak was not what I expected from a CA Chard.  The wine was not all that bad though and I would recommend, at $24 for 3 liters, for that week end party on the patio. Definitely a good party wine.

The Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, was outstanding. Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc is from the famous cool climate vineyards of the renowned Marlborough winegrowing region. Marlborough is located at the northern tip of the southern island of New Zealand. Being on the coast of such a narrow island, Marlborough is consistently exposed to cool maritime weather, which creates the extended ripening period and racy acidity of one of the most admired Sauvignon Blanc flavor pro files in the world. Native New Zealander and artisan winemaker, Drew Ellis has extensive relationships with some of the best vineyards throughout Marlborough, “Our goal is to grow the right grapes that allow us to craft the quintessential New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc year after year.”

*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand.
 Winemakers Notes:
“Stainless steel tanks combined with clean and simple winemaking techniques make for a pristine and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. We employ special yeasts during our cool fermentation process to create the crisp and ripe fruit flavors of kiwi, pear, and green apple with distinctive mineral and gooseberry notes prominent. The stainless steel treatment assures that the wine delivers the crisp finish and fresh structure expected from a true Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.”

My notes:
Lots of pear and peach with some citrus aromas.  Nice and crisp with a slight hint of grapefruit in the mouth and finished a little short with a touch of sweetness.

I've been sipping this wine for the past three days and enjoyed one evening with my standard but delicious BBQ chicken.  Tonight, my daughter Pam scratched up burritos made with Jasmine rice, pinto beans, shredded cheese, guacamole, jalapenos and salsa.  This wine was great with the chicken, excellent sipping and outstanding with the burritos.

Released in May with a suggested retail of $24, but you can shop and find on-line for as low as $17. This is for a 3 liter box or equivalent  to 4 standard 750ml bottles.  After opening, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.   Don't worry though, this Sauvignon Blanc will be long gone before that.

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