1999 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. $20. 13% alcohol.

This wine was tank fermented in an effort to retain all of its varietal flavor. It was then aged for six months on old American oak barrels on Chardonnay lees. Light to medium yellow color with hints of green. Aromas remind me of a dry Sauternes including apricot, vanilla, mango, and a touch of pineapple. The wine has a moderately long finish with mouth drying acidity. Lots of sour acidity in the mouth with some oxidized stone fruit flavor. Weird but well executed. For adventurous souls only ( and people who don’t mind really overwhelmingly sour acidity). Drink immediately. 81 points.