Monkey Bay Sauviignon Blanc and Diseno Malbec

My tasting on Friday was on two new wines.  Yeah!  I hate tasting out the same-old, same-old.  Customers feel the same way.  They want to taste and discover new wines.  Both wines were a hit with customers. 

Monkey Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($9) is from Marlborough, New Zealand.  A moderate level of alcohol - 12.5%.   In the plastic tasting cup, the aroma was indiscernible.  However, it did have a very crisp and refreshing grassiness, finishing with gooseberry.  A nice change from the typical Marlborough, New Zealand fruit forward grapefruit. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Pale lemon in colour, with green tints and brilliant clarity.  Tropical fruit-driven aromas of pineapple and gooseberry complemented by hints of pink grapefruit, capsicum and cut grass.  Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with vibrant flavours of ripe grapefruit, gooseberry and pineapple.  Fresh, zingy acidity dominates the palate with some pleasant fruit sweetness providing some weight to the palate.  Enjoyable on its own or paired with chicken and seafood dishes. 

Diseno 2010 Malbec ($9) is from Mendoza, Argentina.  This wine had a bold blackberry aroma.  The flavor was spice with a hint of coffee.  After it opened up there was also a hint of blackberry on the palate.  Medium tannins. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Diseno Malbec is a rich wine with an inviting bouquet of stone fruit.  A hint of coffee compliments the blueberry, spice and chocolate flavors.  Pair with hard cheeses: Manchego or Parmesan, paella or seafood risotto, spice red sauces, and beef.