Savvy wine buy: Stoneleigh Vineyards ‘99 Sauvignon Blanc

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000 | 7:22 a.m.

The crisp coastal climate in the northeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island makes it ideal for producing Sauvignon Blanc, so it is no accident that this region has moved to the forefront for these wines. The more expensive Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire, such as Sancerre, may be longer lived than this one. And the traditionally grassy California examples of this grape have their devotees, too. But this wine manages to have lots of tropical fruits in the nose, while maintaining the dry, herbaceous character that the grape is known for. Drink it now, or in the next two or three years.

Available at Lee's Discount Liquors, $9.49.

-- Max Jacobson

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