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Our friends at Pernod Ricard sent us some things to try recently, and as we are always up to try new things, we gave them a go. (Actually, I’ve enjoyed Mumm Napa Brut Prestige on more than a few occasions, but it’s always a good thing to collect the latest data points, eh?)

While New Zealand’s Stoneleigh has been on my radar for at least a few years now, I’d only tasted their Sauvignon Blanc on one previous occasion, and didn’t take notes at that time. My general impression was favorable then, so I expected wines of good quality, and that’s what we found with these two.

2010 Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 13% alc.: Clean color, pale to medium straw; mineral, moss and gooseberry nose follows through on the palate, where the moss fades, the mineral steps forward and the tart gooseberry holds its ground. Medium body, good intensity and varietal character, and the requisite acids that should be expected from the variety, no matter where it’s produced. Nothing flashy here, just a straightforward Sauvignon that performs well with a variety of foods and as an aperitif. I like this at a price point anywhere between $9.97 and $13.99, but when it starts to creep above that ($17.99 at Wine.com ?!), I’ll pass. Find this wine

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2009 Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir, 14% alc.: Clean ruby garnet color; smoky toasty black cherry nose, fleshing out with more of the same on the palate, along with subtle earthy undertones. Medium bodied and more, with enough structure to hold for a few years and stand up to the likes of grilled salmon and pork loin. Like the Sauvignon, not flashy, just honest Pinot Noir that does what it’s supposed to, and very much like many of the good specimens that have been coming out of New Zealand over the past several years. Good value at between $12 and $14 dollars; above that, less so. Find this wine

Stoneleigh imported by Pernod Ricard USA

We last reviewed a rendition of the following sparkler in February of 2007; we liked it then and we like it now.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV, 12.5% alc.: Medium straw color; fine, very active bead and substantial mousse. Rich under-ripe green apple flavors; medium-to-medium full bodied, with good acids and length. Even Kim, who is not exactly a bubblehead, finds the frothy mouth-feel quite attractive. A solid bubbly for not-quite-every day enjoyment, especially if you can find it for between $12.45-17.99, a far more attractive price range than the $22-ish that it usually sells for in this neck of the woods. Find this wine

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.