We head back to New Zealand today to try another Sauvignon Blanc. As I’ve previously mentioned, New Zealand has a reputation for good Sauvignon Blanc and this one lives up to the reputation.
The seeds of Nobilo as a winery began when Nikola Nobilo immigrated from Croatia to New Zealand in 1937 in anticipation of World War II. The Nobilo family had been producing wines in Croatia for some 300 years and Nikola continued the tradition in New Zealand. The Nobilo winery was acquired by BRL Hardy in 2000, which was then acquired by the wine and spirits giant Constellation Brands in 2003. Nikola Nobilo continued to produce wines for the company after the acquisition by Constellation, but he passed away in 2007 at the age of 94.
Nobilo produces wine from many regions in New Zealand, but this Sauvignon Blanc comes from Marlborough—reputed as the most desirable region in New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc. After tasting this wine, I can understand why.
The intensity in the nose is good and it is a highly tropical Sauvignon Blanc. Pineapple, honey, melon, pear and a hint of flint give this wine a wonderful bouquet. When I first opened the bottle, it didn’t have the vegetal characteristic that many SBs from New Zealand have, but after it opened up a distinct green pepper aroma came to the surface. The palate is flavorful, well balanced and just as exciting as the nose. It has lemon, pear, melon, apple and mineral flavors. The finish is fairly long and enjoyable. All told, this is a great Sauvignon Blanc at a decent price.
Wine: Nobilo
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 90
Price: $11.99
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I read your review and I must beg to differ. I found this to be much too sweet and a rather terrible wine. I was so looking forward to trying something new but unfortunatley had to dump the wine as I just could not even finish the glass