The Wine Idiot Reviews: Picton Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2015 ($6.99)

Look, I'mma get real with you right now--I have a history of disliking sauvignon blanc. In fact, for a few years there, I valiantly tried it SEVERAL times and every damn time I made a face and said, "ew, yeah, I don't like sauvignon blanc."

I'm happy to say, that has changed!! Not because of this bottle, unfortunately. It started with that Les Portes de Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc, and then I really fell for that Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and we all know how delighted I am with Trader Joe's boxed Sauvignon Blanc.

But this bottle? I know I'm not a sophisticated sauvignon blanc drinker, but this wasn't what I was looking for. What I've come to love about sauvignon blanc is that crisp, refreshing, grassy element--it has more flavor than a clean grüner veltliner, less fruit than a rosé, and it's usually not as sweet as a pinot grigio.

Unfortunately, I found this bottle to be surprisingly fruity for a sauvignon blanc. Maybe some people like that?? I don't. It smells strongly of green apple and starfruit, and it's very tangy. Probably real wine tasters can taste the "grassy" or "herbaceous" elements that a sauvignon blanc typically has, but I can't. Honestly? All I taste is green apple peel.

That being said--am I pouring it down the drain? No. I'm drinking some right now. It's fine. Just not what I was looking for when I picked up a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. But what do I know. If you're looking for a kinda fruity, tangy sauvignon blanc, this will probably hit the spot.

What the bottle says: "Picton, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the gateway to Marlborough. This wine is produced from world famous Marlborough vineyards. Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc is classic Marlborough in style - vibrant, fresh and fruity."

What the Wine Idiot says: Welllll there ya have it. Clearly I didn't read the label. This was a recommendation by a TJ's wine aisle guy. He said between this and The Pass Sauvignon Blanc (also New Zealand and one I see all the time at TJ's), he thought I'd prefer this--after I said I wanted crisp, clean, refreshing. Shoulda read the label and discreetly put it back.

ABV: 12.5%

Who's responsible for this? Imported by Sole Brand, Duarte, CA, Wine of New Zealand

Do I need a corkscrew? Nope! Screw cap.

What do smarter people say about it? Holy fucking shit. Boy if you wanna read poetry written about THIS ACTUAL WINE, read this from Winderlusting: "Remarkable clarity, a pure light-straw-lemon colored hue with subtle green nuances around the rim indicating relative youth. The nose is very aromatic, (be sure to swish before smelling for the best tones) with notes of lychee, lemon-zest, green apple, pear, fresh cut grass and gooseberry.

On the opening palate expect a light-bodied, fruity open with soft-medium acidity. Refreshing notes of white peach, melon, grapefruit, lemon-lime and soft white spices tickle the taste buds. Progressing towards the mid-palate, expect some calcerous mineral tones, jalapeño, dried leaves, lychee and a hint of green apple. Approaching the close, the wine lingers slightly on the tongue maintaining well balanced yet not overpowering acidity over a citrus-fruit, medium finish.

Completely dry, this wine explores some of the more tropical flavors found in Marlborough Sauv’s but still maintains the soft herbaceous, tree and citrus fruit elements."

Dafuq. I can't even, you guys. Agree to disagree, I guess.

Should I bring it to a friend's house? Like, I wouldn't? But maybe I'm way off base on this one. Perhaps because I'm unfairly judging it for not being what I wanted it to be? I should note...I'm still drinking it...so.... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯