Originally Posted by
FlyerBeek
I agree with you on the Nautilis SB. My other favorite NZ SBs are Hunter's (both their regular and their Kaho Roa), Huia (an excellent place all-around, nice Pinot as well and a stellar Krug-esque sparking wine), and Mount Nelson (actually owned by Lodovico Antinori).
I used to be a big Crawford fan, but I've noticed a certain decrease in both quality and value over the last two years.
The only other oaked SB I've tasted that's similar to Te Koko is Dog Point's Section 94 - though, it's not as good.
Well, whatever one's tastes are - it's certain that NZ in general, and Marlborough in particular, are certainly producing some stellar wines.
-FlyerBeek
For my taste (admittedly seeking aromatic, multi-fruited scents and taste notes and a pleasant note!) Marlborough SBs can range from bland to bold and can really set off baked fish or other seafood dishes.
I'm not as big a fan of semillons, which is more the direction of many of the WA SBs I've tried.
Cheapie French SBs I've tried are no better than the most average NZ SBs, so I'll side with the Kiwis over the froggies on this variety.
The tables are definitely turned on the subject of sparkling whites, though.
