I've just sent this to my son, so I thought I'd share it.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian Hayward" >
To: "Rob Hayward Oxford" >
Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 8:09 PM
Subject: Matua SB 2004


> BLOODY HELL! This is the strangest NZ SB I've ever had. Julie tasted it before
me,
> and described it as "syrupy", which is pretty accurate. The nose is intensely
> tropical soft fruits, guava and peach dominate, and the first taste is just so
> un-Kiwi - no grass, no astringency, just a huge mouthful of canned tropical fruits.
> The finish is huge, hanging on to that fruit until it's time to serve the real
thing!
> Oddly, in spite of its being so completely "off message" for a NZ SB, I really like
> this (just as well, I bought a case). It suggests an accompaniment for spicy Asian
> or fusion dishes as an alternative to the conventional Gewurtz. I shall get some
> more at Makro tomorrow, hopefully with a case of 2004 Nobilo which may do more to
> satisfy the conventional Kiwi palate. A "back to back" tasting should be good.
> How's this year's work so far?
>
> Dad
>

Can anyone share experiences of other 2004 NZ's?

Regards,

Ian

"Ian Hayward" wrote in message
>
> BLOODY HELL! This is the strangest NZ SB I've ever had.
> The nose is intensely tropical soft fruits, guava and peach dominate,
> and the first taste is just so un-Kiwi - no grass, no astringency,
> just a huge mouthful of canned tropical fruits.
> The finish is huge, hanging on to that fruit until it's time to
> serve the real thing!
> > Oddly, in spite of its being so completely "off message" for a NZ SB,
> I really like this (just as well, I bought a case).

Hi Ian, Matua make a couple of Sauvignons from different regions - and this
could be the key.

Marlborough region is noted for, what you call, the typical Kiwi SB -
gooseberry, grassy, capsicum flavours.

Anything from the North Island has a lot less of those characteristics, and
much more tropical nuances, just as you describe.

So, just where did your SB come from?

Just like many of the worlds winemaking countries, expect vast differences
from the various growing districts which span nearly 1,500km from the far
north to Central Otago - the worlds most southerly winemaking region.

--

st.helier