David Lawrason’s Weekly Wine Pick: a refined take on New Zealand’s signature white grape

Villa Maria 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

$15.95 | Marlborough | 91 points One the great buys at the LCBO seems to get better every year, striking a calmer, more refined approach to New Zealand’s signature grape.

The taste: The 2011 has a piquant, lifted nose of nettles, celery, dill, orange-grapefruit citrus and passion fruit—like a tropical fruit and citrus salad. It’s generous, intense and fresh, with just the right sweet-and-sour balance, a touch of CO₂ liveliness and a very long herbal, citrus and mineral finish.

How to drink it: Chill well for casual sipping. Pairs nicely with Asian cuisine.

LCBO 426601