Here's an excellent value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that doesn't go overboard with its tropical fruit.  The nose is appealing with aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, jalepeno/green pepper, jicama, white pepper and vanilla.  It is less fruity on the palate than the nose suggests, and more round and leesy than many Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs.  Touches of passionfruit, peach, fennel and coconut on the palate are just that--touches that are balanced and attractive.

The Babich family hails from Croatia and first bought land in New Zealand in 1911.  The winery is now in its third generation.  Fruit for this wine comes from a variety of its estate-owned vineyards which are sustainable or organic.  Most of the juice for this wine is fermented in stainless steel with a small percentage in old oak barrique.  

Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Fish (white), Hors d'oeuvres, Just for Cocktailing, Perfect Aperitif , Shellfish, Sushi, Thai or Vietnamese, Vegetables