OYSTER BAY 2008 SAUVIGNON BLANC

  

No, we didn’t get confused  on the date.  This really is a 2008 Kiwi Sauvignon, and something of a vanguard for what might turn out to be a very good vintage for this genre.  We were handed a vintage report from this generally middle of the road producer that was pretty rosy, but of course we aren’t going to take it at face value.  However this Sauvignon, which we don’t recall ever buying before, was round enough, ripe enough and had enough fruit to play well in a variety of scenarios.  ‘Value’ kiwis, when they suffer, do so thanks to excessive acidity or green-edged flavors.  Not here.  Fresh melon and passion fruit, a little touch of minerality, a plump entry and enough cut to the finish, this isn’t necessarily thought provoking, but really doesn’t need to do much more than deliver the goods directly and cleanly.  It does all of that and does it at a price point that is increasingly difficult to hit.