Quality Kiwi Wine Observations

 At Thanksgiving (to show you how 'behind' I am in my blog postings), we had one of Dr Desert Flower's co-workers and her family over for the holiday dinner.  They were from New Zealand, of they (of course) brought New Zealand wines.  A young Marlborough Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 white wine, and a Marlborough Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2011.  Both were delicious wines, and went well with the convection oven roasted WholePaycheck free range turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean salad, spinach salad, and many other side dishes that were enjoyed by the 7 of us gathered.

For the Kiwis, it was their first "Real Thanksgiving" at a home in the US, and they enjoyed it immensely.  For the Americans, we got to sample a non-grape-fruity Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - which in my perspective is a wonderful rarity.  DDF and I enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, but not the overwhelming grape fruit explosion that is often the case with discounted New Zealand whites.  The Oyster Bay did not has this same citrus invasion, and it was tasty.   The Pinot Noir from Jules Taylor was also delicious (we went through 2 bottles of Pinot between the 4 people drinking red) and very enjoyable.  It had far more body and fullness to it than the inexpensive Pinot Noirs I am used to tasting in California - at least the ones that are less than $12 a bottle; my own personal 'comfort zone' for where I begin to fret at the store if I am buying a 'ever day table wine' for drinking, and not for an occasion.

On the Google, the Jules Taylor Pinot Noir can be found online for around $20, and the Oyster Bay 2013 Sauvignon Blanc for $11.  I'll keep my eyes open for these gems the next time I am at the wine shop.