I am much more interested in lower alcohol wines than I am in no-alcohol grape juice masquerading as real wine, but the question is always how can the producer do it and how successful can she or he be. Forrest says it is by canopy management, although I’m not sure exactly how that works, as it is difficult to get maturity without getting sugars. At any rate, this one is an admirable 9.5% alcohol with fruity but tart flavors of ripe kiwi, white grapes and juicy apples. A nice, everyday wine that finishes long on the palate.
Forrest Estate, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2022
By Roger Morris