Marlborough WAIRAU RIVER Sauvignon Blanc 2001 13% Alc. $15
Beautiful straw paleness, gorgeous ripe aromas of grapefruit and a flowery perfume. Refreshing acidity is a touch excessive perhaps, but then, that's what I look for in a SB, anyway. Excellent persistence. 88+

Gatro--

I had this last year. I picked it up at Morrell's just prior to the big 6/15 NYC Offline. I was not as impressed with this wine. I think if I had to hang a number on this I would plop it a notch or two below your rating of 88. I think I paid about $12 or 13 here stateside..... Still, it's certainly a good bottle of NZ SB

Agree, probably: in the WS board I admitted (to KillerB, who rated it like you) that I'm prone to overrating NZ SB whenever I lay my hands on it due to the poor quality of Spanish SB and the lack of available options here. I had to bring this one from Spain "by hand" so I'm probably off the mark when it comes to rating these. The tuna pudding was a glorious match, though...

Did somebody call?

I've got nine or ten of these left and I'm perfectly happy with the prospect. I paid £95 for the case, giving a very reasonable £8 per bottle. this makes it £2 cheaper than the slightly inferior Nautilus, £4.50 cheaper than Cloudy Bay and £5 cheaper than Nobilo Icon Series. Haven't worked out why the Nobilo costs more than the CB here!!?? As a cheap alternative this is a babe.

I picked up lime more than grapefruit on this one - I thought it more zesty tang than bitter tang. I rated it as 85 with potential for higher values during the Summer months when it would do wonders with white fish. I suspect that lime and coriander barbecued Atlantic sea-bass steaks would make a wonderful accompaniment.

If Gastro can't get these Kiwi babies easily then he can be forgiven for adding a Gastromark or two when he rates

With a little luck I'll be able to lay both hands on CB'02 by mid-April to drink in May. Prospective price is $17 but I'll need SOME spare room in my carryon to opt for this one instead of Riesling...
Thanks for your kind benevolence anyway

Rev, why is it there are no Euro signs allowed on board?