Senior editor James Laube, Wine Spectator's expert on the wines of California, joined the magazine in 1983.

James Laube
About Me
All My Picks
Weekly Picks Main Page
About Our Tastings

A Distinctive $15 New Zealand White

Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008

James Laube
Posted: April 10, 2009

I love Kiwi Sauvignons. The best are refreshingly crisp and flinty, with zesty acidity. And the wines often provide good value.

This just-released Starborough bottling is also distinctive for its depth and beam of lime-infused green pear and apple flavors, ending with a mouth-cleansing floral, honeysuckle aftertaste. It drinks well on its own and is great for light or grilled seafood and cheese courses. It even tasted good with a salad topped with walnuts and apple. I rated it 89 points, non-blind. It retails at a great price, $15, and with 125,000 cases made, it shouldn't be hard to find.

Being from California, where harvest wrapped up a few months ago, I had to think twice about the vintage year before I processed the fact that this is from the Southern Hemisphere.

WineSpectator.com members:
Read the official tasting note for Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (88 points, $15)

• Plus, get more tasting notes for recently rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, along with our quick lists of Top Values and Easy Finds among New Zealand whites.