Review of Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc 2015

We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.

Sauvignon Blanc is possibly one of the most worldly grapes out there. It seems to grow well in such a diversity of places, and it truly shows uniqueness and sense of place in each region based on where it is cultivated. France is very much the home base for this grape variety, but in the USA, we have come to attach it to northern California, specifically Russian River Valley. But what about a place a little different, a small country in the southern hemisphere perhaps?

If you have been drinking white wine for any length of time, you are probably well aware that New Zealand produces stunning, world class Sauvignon Blanc. There is no doubt that other grapes grow very well there, but this grape is the king. New Zealand produces wines with strength and delicacy all the same, and in my opinion some of the most intensely aromatic white wines on the face of the earth.

The wine up for review is just that, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. This wine producing region has earned high accolades over the years as THE place to produce this grape, and with its varied soils and climate, you can really dig in and explore all the little nooks and crannies of New Zealand via the wine bottle. Most notably, the Marlborough region is the spot where arguably the best Sauvignon Blanc is being produced. This particular wine was in fact grown in the Marlborough region and was cultivated on two small family farms, the McLean vineyard and Comely Bank.

Once the cork is removed, the wine pours a light straw color. In the glass, this baby shows its strength with bold aromas that fling into the air. Notes of tropical mango and passion fruit, along with the classic gooseberry dominate the senses. The palate confirms the nose with the addition of citrus fruits like lemon and lime. The mouthfeel offers a lot of mineral profile, which gives the wine a good bit of textural feedback. The finish is subtle and long.

Specifications:

• Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc, 2015 vintage
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand. Vineyards: 57% McLean, 43% Comely Bank.
• Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
• Barrels: N/A
• Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright, with no detectable flaws and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: N/A
• Acidity: Medium
• Alcohol: Medium
• Finish: Long
• Alcohol by volume: 13.0%
• pH: 3.33
• Cases produced: 5,273
• Retail price: $16.00 at the time of review

This is a classically styled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that I can highly recommend. It is bright, bold, and quite frankly a joy to drink, especially on a hot afternoon on the back porch with friends and family. This wine will pair with a multitude of different foods, but dry rub BBQ pork ribs comes to mind specifically. What a spring or summer treat that would be, right?

In 1769, Captain Cook took command of the HMS Endeavor, and became the first European to explore New Zealand. He was sailing the seas in search of the “Southern Continent,” he was chasing Venus. Let us follow in his footsteps and explore wines from around the world. We too may end up Chasing Venus.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.