Review: ****+ $ Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2008 - BEST VALUE

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Original Tasting and Review, February, 2010:

By way of background: Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, frankly caught my attention because it was a "practically free" sauvignon blanc with an impressive 91-point score from Wine Spectator.  This relatively young 2008 vintage is finished at 13% alcohol.

In the glass: Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc shows as water-clear in the glass, with just a hint of vanilla overtones.

On the nose: Poured cool and swirled vigorously, this Kiwi sauvignon blanc shows intriguing aromas of dust-encrusted green grass and glinty stainless steel.  

On the palate: The first element on the palate is a surprisingly full, round palate, almost bringing a note of pear to the fore.  The classic snap of grass and chrome is there, to be sure, but accompanied by a sweet and mineral glide.

And the wrap-up: The finish is both clean and slightly sweet, leaving your cheeks to contemplate the Kiwi acids.  

In summary: Overall, a classic sauvignon blanc experience, complemented by somewhat surprising notes of depth, body and grace. Rates four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.  An awesome, screaming value.

Here's what Wine Spectator said to accompany its 91-point assessment: "Light and open-textured, playing its herb and lime character against green apple and pear fruit. This is appealing for its detail and finesse. Drink now."

Following three-day decant under vacuum in a partially-filled bottle:  All the aromatics and palate delights are still there, accompanied by an interesting dustiness on the tongue.  Don't worry about storing this one for a few days under vac-u-vin!
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Updated review, a year and a half later, August, 2011:  Showing more yellow in the glass now.  Still shows that unique and pleasant "dust-encrusted" minerality on the nose.  Round pear and lemon are on the palate, creating what remains a complete and balanced four-star experience.  This has held the three years of age since vintage date quite easily. Remains a crazy best value.  Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle:  All basement dust and sugar on the nose - very interesting.  The palate has lost the lemon, staying entirely round and lightly sandy. A plus to the four stars for the wonderful permeating sweet sandiness and dustiness.

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