Tasting notes:

Deep in the almost hidden WaihopaiValley, Brian and Jan Johnson planted180 hectares of vines on seeminglyinhospitable land in the 1990s. Theirpioneering spirit has led Spy ValleyWines to become one of the mostsuccessful family-owned and operatedwine companies in New Zealand,exporting to 35 countries and with a gooddomestic market too. This SauvignonBlanc is delightful, packed with pungentgrass, green capsicum and white flowers,with a tangerine note and creaminess inthe background. Dry, the palate showslively acidity and light body, with a roundmid-palate, and good concentration andlength. The spicy accent added by theGewurztraminer and the creamy texturesuggest that this might be good match forindividual fresh salmon soufflés.(Patricia Stefanowicz MW)