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American Estates Wines (AEW) began operating in 1985 as a selector and marketer of single vineyard and small estate California wineries. It introduced many of these brands to Metropolitan New York, and later to the surrounding Northeastern states. Over the years it established a working relationship with many of the top retailers and restaurants in this region. In 1986, AEW began importing wine from New Zealand and Australia. For New Zealand wines, that makes it the longest standing company continuously importing into the USA. The Australian portfolio ranges from one of the Barossa's top rated Shiraz, Turkey Flat, to arguably, the most famous name in the Tasmanian wine industry, Pirie Tasmania. Recently, the New World-style wines from Spain have been added to the portfolio with reds and whites from five different areas that have already received critical acclaim. The contemporary front label features the Southern Cross, a group of bright stars that are visible only from the Southern Hemisphere. These stars guided the first Maori and then European navigators to discover New Zealand. This cuvee was selected from several high quality vineyards in Marlborough and a single vineyard in Hawkes Bay. Grapes were crushed and de-stemmed prior to pressing, and fermented at cool temperatures. The 2009 bottling features an upgraded, clear glass package. Marlborough, located in the South Island of the country, is without question the most respected area for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. It's cool climate allows the grapes a longer growing season, thus lifting more nutrients from the soil. Sometimes, however, it's a little too cool and the grapes pick up an overly grassy aroma and flavor. This is where Hawks Bay comes in. Hawks Bay, is in the North Island and is considerably warmer than Marlborough. The heat produces brighter fruit and flavors making the combination the best of both worlds. This wine has lifted aromatics of lemon zest, passion fruit and a hint of herbs. Flavors follow through nicely with notes of fresh melon and tropical fruits. All this lingers on the palate with generous weight, and a long crisp finish. This wine makes a natural combination with seafood, light meats, pasta, salads, and Asian cuisine. July 2010 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf)
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