Wine of the week

Mills Reef Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 1991. AN AWARD-winner at the recent Wines of the Pacific Rim Festival, this New Zealand sauvignon blanc comes, surprisingly, from Hawkes Bay on the North Island.

Don't look for tropical flavours in this wine. While identifiably a New Zealand sauvignon, it is restrained and elegant - midway between the severity of Sancerre and the lush flavours of its South Island cousins. Ideal with Chinese food.

Area: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Maker: Villa Maria Group.

Grape: Sauvignon blanc.

Importer: Northeast Trading.

Price: $110.50 single bottle (case price).

Availability: From the importer. Phone 812-9723.

Buying advice: Just the wine for the coming summer - good value. - Bacchante