The WINEFRONT

• By Campbell Mattinson
  3/13/2008 (link)

  (Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Section 94) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  3/21/2009 (link)

  (SECTION 94 Dog Point SAUVIGNON) Dog Point Dear Friends, A late entrant on Saturday afternoon... ...speaking of New Zealand - the wine of Dog Point is the antithesis to Pyramid Valley but it is still recommended for a completely different reason. It is, for lack of a better word - yummy. I remember being chastised by a customer 5-6 years ago for using that word in a offer "What is yummy? How are we supposed to take that!?" - in truth, I think all of you know exactly what I mean. Yummy means you won't find our usual lean, acidic eccentricity - instead you will be greeted with unctuous, well-oaked fruit that has sweetness as its middle name (RIP Walter P). Why are we offering this? Because so many of you have emailed asking for a few easy-going or "yummy" examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (that were still very well made and not not unduly commercial) that today is your day (please don't make me regret spending so much time making this deal happen). I've had other opportunities to fulfill this request with domestic wine but the examples would have been $40 or more and they were not as good. At the prices below, this becomes a top offer and a shout out to everyone that's been waiting for a little "yum" to come their way. If you are a fan of Kistler but yearn for just a bit more definition, this is your offer. Admit it - most of us require a few bottles like this when in-laws or friends come over and gag when we bring out another bottle of Pineau d'Aunis or Cour-Cheverny but we still wish to drink what we pour for them - Dog Point fits the bill and (I have to admit) many of you will be quite taken with the sweet charms of both offerings below. For the price, instead of dipping into the same old Russian River or Central Coast bag of tricks, try these - I'm fairly certain you will be glad you did. From the former Cloudy Bay winemakers who went out on their own to fashion more artisanal wines (but ended up making almost the same thing as Cloudy Bay but with more of an old-school, hands-on approach), the Pinot Noir should be especially well received as the circa $25 price-point for wine of this style is not easy to find (most of them are $40-50 or more). While certainly not for lovers of terroir or the wood-averse, this will run circles around many highly rated domestic offerings (with less alcohol) and it brings an intriguing New Zealand element to the table. Think cotton candy spun around Pinot Noir with a Marlborough spin and you will be close. The 2006 Section 94 is the highest rated New World Sauvignon Blanc in the history of the Wine Advocate (yes, in over 30 years and there are only 2-3 European examples over the years that have received a higher score - including all of Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, the remaining Loire, Miani and everyone else). What does that mean? Not a lot as the wine drinks more like a cross between Kistler Durell and the Marlborough Sauvignon that you are expecting. Normally way too expensive (around $40-45), it's more than worth a try in the $28-29 range for fans of the exotic. This is a well-oaked, unctuous and textural example that would have my mom in a tizzy for multiple bottles (and she has a darn good palate for this type of wine - seriously) - another enticing blind entrant at a tasting as the guesses will be all over the map. Neil Martin swooned over this wine (as he did for the 2006 Pinot Noir) so I am probably being a bit harsh. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the style (but not for those seeking terroir or restraint) ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at a great price (about the same as in New Zealand): 2006 Dog Point Pinot Noir (Marlborough) 2006 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc "Section 94" (Marlborough) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA NZ7290 NZ7280