"st.helier" > wrote in message
...
> You see, over-ripening will cause mpz levels to drop too low, thus
producing
> wines lacking that aggressive pungency associated with the wines.

I've experienced the "aggressive pungency" you describe in Sauvignon Blanc
from other areas as well - notably Sonoma County and Sancerre - lhe latter
of which sparked the thread you referred to.

My understanding is that in Marlborough (and maybe the other loci as well) a
portion of the fruit is harvested early, while the grassy/cat pee aromatics
are strong. The remainder is harvested at full maturity and blended into
the early crop to bring up the alcohol and body of the wine. Cold tank
fermentation is the norm, which preserves the fruit better than barrel
fermentation.

Tom S