Barker’s Marque Sauvignon Blanc The Loop NV 750ml

This delicate nose is incredibly complex, with layers of creamy lemon & lime curd, an almost spicy dried herb character and the reminder that this wine predominantly comes from Blind River with the typical, light mineral smokiness. Don’t mistake delicate for lacking in concentration and interest as this wine has both in spades, as well as a light funky note that is now becoming synonymous with The Loop. Super vibrant, intense and “big” without being blousy, and an all-encompassing juicy softness that belies its delicate nose. All of this pulls through to the mid-palate where additional texture is added in the form of a creamy, smoky, slightly edgy citrus fruitiness, which blankets the whole wine. Complex? Oh yes. Concentrated? Definitely. Just so much going on in a glass of this wine, and with a finish that goes on and on and on.

• Country: New Zealand
• Region: Marlborough
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Sauvignon Blanc

The green skinned grapes of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal had their origins in Southern France, where they are still widely grown and used for many of the excellent young and aged white wines the region is famous for. Today, however, they are grown in almost every wine producing country in the world, and are widely revered for their fresh and grassy flavors, full of tropical notes and refreshing, zesty character. Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive best in moderate climates, and ripen relatively early in the year. This has made them a favorite for many wineries in the New World, where they can still produce healthy and high yields in the earlier part of the summer before the temperatures become too hot. Too much heat has a massively adverse effect on Sauvignon Blanc, as the grapes become dull in their flavor, and the wine produced from them loses all its unique character and high points. As such, Sauvignon Blanc farmers have had a lot of trouble from global warming and climate change, as they are being forced to harvest their crops increasingly earlier in the year when it is cool enough to do so.