2021 continues to throw curveballs at us... as now we are facing a shortage and surging prices of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! Supply is down and Demand is up. Econ 101 - prices are rocketing up!

Supply:

• New Zealand was no exception to the boom in wine consumption last year, and with borders largely shut down, the Kiwis plowed through their country's stock of homegrown Sauv Blanc.
• Then, this Spring, when they harvest, yields were down almost 40% due to fluctuating bouts of warmth then frost during budding. 40%! That's a huge decrease.

Demand:

• Sales of Sauvignon Blanc, in general,  rose 38% in the US last year.
• I can't find New Zealand specific numbers, but I can tell you NZ SB sales rose a staggering 115% in our stores! 

Put it all together and it is becoming darn near impossible to find quantity... and prices are surging. Luckily, we had this one already locked in with the distributor... the next vintage, already bottled, is showing a 25% price increase!

Walnut Block Collectables Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Buy a case for just $11.99 per

Buy six for - $13.49

All Else Sale - $14.99

Walnut Block is a joint project started by two brothers, Clyde and Nigel Snowman, who named their winery after a 110 year-old Walnut Tree that stands in their vineyards, which happens to be the oldest in the country. Situated in the Wairau Valley, an ideal sub-region of Marlborough that is perfectly suited to Sauvignon Blanc, Walnut Block is a small producer, focused on fine-tuning a food-friendly, balanced style of wine. It starts in their organic vineyard, where the brothers painstakingly pluck individual leaves from the vines to allow for optimum sunlight and airflow. (No, I am not joking!) The grapes are then hand harvested at night to preserve acidity and fresh fruit flavors. Fermented with a combination of natural and cultured yeasts for greater complexity, then aged on the lees to add weight and texture, this wine showcases $30 techniques at a fraction!

A classic nose of grapefruit, citrus, passion fruit, and herbs is followed by a light and refreshing palate. Ripe tropical fruit, citrus and peach flavors are balanced by vibrant acidity, yet rounded and creamy on the soft finish. A delicious aperitif, this will also pair nicely with Thai cuisine, goat cheeses, asparagus, and herbed seafood preparations. Hmmm… I am thinking a nice composed salad of sliced tomatoes, goat cheese, cold asparagus, a little cider vinegar, olive oil and salt. Crusty bread to soak up all the juices. Perfect!

Or reply. The wine is available today in Chapel Hill. Friday after 1 pm in Hillsborugh.