Babich Headwaters Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Babich ‘Headwaters’ Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough, NZ) $25, Screwcap, 13%
Source: Sample

Apparently one of only a very limited number of certified organic Kiwi vineyards, which is a quite curious situation given the ‘clean green’ image of New Zealand wine. I can only guess that Perhaps the producers figure they can sell their grapes without organics, so feel no need to bother with the rigidity of certification?… Thoughts?

The wine itself doesn’t quite mount a resounding argument for the organic difference though, with a character that is a little blunt and appears to lack the flourish & generosity of top Savvies. The wine itself is a clear, but not translucent coloured Savvy, with a spiky citrus nose, lemon and something pine needle-ish && menthol like in there too.

On the palate it’s quite rounded and complex, yet finishes with spiky acidity and some greenness, again with the drying astringency that detracts from the ultimate drinkability.

It’s ultimately a good Sauvignon then, but just not complete enough for high marks. This should, uniquely, improve in the bottle though. so I’d hold off drinking this until early 2010 (onwards). 17.2/91+