Winemaker Notes
Mills Reef Sauvignon Blanc 2001 is made from choicest grapes from a variety of vineyards with proven cooler climates in the Hawkes Bay area. Cool weather over flowering caused reduced crop levels from the outset. With each vine carrying less fruit the results at harvest time were excellent with great intensive flavors coming through. Thirty percent of the wine was aged in French oak barriques for five months, careful selection of oak is a key feature of the wine's success.
This is a ripely herbaceous style Savignon Blanc, with deep melon/lime flavors and suble Frech oak adding complexity. A mouthfilling dry wine with a creamy-smooth finish.
Recognized for its distinctively herbaceous and aromatic, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is perfectly suited to the grape with its maritime climate, plenty of rainfall and abundant sunshine. Producers have almost unilaterally embraced cutting-edge winery technology, resulting in clean, high-quality wines at every price point from wallet-friendly to premium. Sauvignon blanc is at its best in Marlborough but thrives throughout as the country. It is New Zealand’s most planted and successful variety, also accounting for an overwhelming majority of its exports.