Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 New Zealand

 

Brancott! Worth dumping out that other glass for!

If you remember me talking about Fume Blanc’s in last month’s blog, I mentioned oak aging and Sauvignon Blanc.  With this wine, we have not oak aging, but a little barrel fermentation instead.  Barrel fermentation doesn’t pick up any oak flavors really, but rather it makes it a little softer, less harsh and really retains the fruit flavors.

 I brought this home for my husband and I to try last weekend (he’s a HUGE SB fan!).  I had already poured the last of a Chardonnay in my glass and poured a glass of the Brancott for him first.  When I tasted his glass, all I wanted to do was dump out my chard and pour a glass of this Brancott!  Being the wino I am, I didn’t of course, but I did resort to chugging the chard.  The Brancott was slightly creamy, had just a little of the nice grassiness and citrus flavors the New Zealands are known for and was just so well-rounded.  I think thats the easiest way to describe it; polished and well-rounded.  I’m not the only one who thinks this wine is awesome though, the “professionals” at Wine Spectator give it 92 points!