Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2002
Price $15.99
Rating 89
Aromas of lime blossom and cilantro, followed by delicate flavors of the same wrapped in crisp lime/citrus are this crisp white wine's signature.

Lying east/west and enjoying a maritime climate, the Wairau River Valley maximizes the wonderfully long clear sunny days, which are especially evident during the autumn ripening period. Long hot days are balanced by cooler nights, lengthening the ripening process and in turn, intensifying the fruit flavors and therefore the wine. For the rest of the story, visit lawsonsdryhills.co.nz.

Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2000
Price $50
Rating 93
Sniff resounding red cherry, some ash notes from the barrel, mocha and herb. Sip flavors of lime/citrus melded with black and red cherry, spice notes of cinnamon, mocha, more exciting citrus.

New Zealand's Martinborough appellation is capable of producing great wine. Under Larry McKenna's direction in the 1980's, gold medals started tumbling through the door. Not only for their now famous pinot noir, but also for other varieties. They have won gold medals both in New Zealand and in Australia, with a strong showing in the United Kingdom as well. Perhaps the crowning glory to date has been the award of the Bouchard Finlayson Trophy for "The Best Pinot Noir Worldwide" at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Challenge in London in 1997. For more information, visit www.martinborough-vineyard.co.nz.

Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay, Martinborough 2001
Price $33
Rating 92
Aromas of soft butter and pear are followed by concentrated flavors of pear butter, mineral, hazelnut, mint, and complex through the long length.

Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2002
Price $19
Rating 89
Consider a piquant sort of nettle in the nose, with the New Zealand signature of gooseberry, gulp, followed by an interesting lemon/citrus entry, then grapefruit, white pepper, and a snazzy hint of poblano pepper on the finish.

Since 1994, the wine has won two trophies and seven gold medals in National and International wine competitions. Watch this winery closely. For updates, go to www.nautilusestate.com.

Nautilus Chardonnay, Marlborough 2000
Price $19
Rating 91
The nose offers aromas of butter, a mint hint, then yeast complexity, and balanced oak. The flavor profile is of pear butter, rich fruit again wrapped in butter, and then resounding black walnut from the oak barrels.

Marlborough, regarded by many as the quintessential home of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, is rapidly gaining an equally high reputation for producing intense, full flavored Chardonnays. Since 1989, Nautilus has made Chardonnay from distinguished sites within the Wairau Valley. The 2000 growing season in Marlborough was cooler than average, with the Chardonnay being harvested between the 6th and 11th of April. For updates, go to www.nautilusestate.com.

Pegasus Bay Riesling,Waipara Valley 2002
Price $20
Rating 91
"Riesling has become Waipara Valley’s signature white variety," observes owner Dr. Ivan Donaldson, "It needs a climate cool enough to retain its acidity and provide freshness and elegance, while at the same time it has to be sufficiently warm to enable it to achieve full flavor ripeness. When the combination is right the result if magical." Donaldson is a winemaker, an international wine judge and far from being a hack as a physician. There is a delightful family involvement at the winery.

Pegasus Pinot Noir, Waipara 2001
Price $35
Rating 90
The nose offers subtle spice and leads to red cherry richness. The sip shares chewy black cherry with a bit of tannic grip, black berry, and delicate spice somewhat like Jamaican allspice.

"The wine has a deep carmine hue and a lifted, wild berry aroma, intertwined with hints of black olives and smoke." comments owner Dr. Ivan Donaldson, "It has a complex array of flavors, evoking memories of black cherries, plums, mushrooms and roast game. The generously rich palate structure is supported by a spine of fine, ripe, mellow tannins. While ready to drink on release, it will reward careful cellaring with increasing complexity over the next 6-8 years and live well beyond."

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2002
Price $20
Rating 94
Imagine aromas of lemon/lime, salt water taffy, some nougat with blanched almonds, this is a more complex nose than their award winning 2000 vintage sauvignon blanc. Taste the subtle orange/grapefruit, soft herbal complexity, not over powered by bell pepper, there is a big round complexity with depth in the palate, and a bit of lemon/cocoa at finish. For more details, go to www.witherhills.co.nz.