90+ Cellars has been mentioned on Wine Dine With Us at least a couple of times in recent months. It is a concept that intrigues Glenn, Rodney, and me on different levels. To me, it’s a win-win for both the winery and the consumer. The winery sells its excess inventory of quality wines at lower, no-name prices without sacrificing reputation or the wine’s price point in the future. The consumer has an opportunity to purchase a high-quality wine at a lower price. And who doesn’t like that in these recessionary times?
However, the wines do require some explanation. Having purchased 90+ Cellars wines for events that I organize for my nonprofit organization, I have seen a number of people approach the wines with a quizzical look that asks “Have budget constraints forced Katrin to serve us some anonymous plonk akin to box wine?” Certainly after trying a great wine like the Malbec Lot 3, that thought is dispelled.
This week I tried the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Lot 2, despite Rodney’s earlier lackluster review. I found it well beyond “adequate.” It is unmistakably New Zealand and totally unapologetic for being obvious. It is exactly what we all have come to expect from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc… and that’s ok! Grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, and herbs filled my nose immediately. My mouth was watering expectantly before even tasting the wine. The palate was all that citrus plus melon, with high acidity and a touch of bitterness. It is wonderfully refreshing and flavorful and worth a try!
