This light to medium-bodied offering displays crisp and tangy lime and green apple flavors. It’s a bit tart and austere overall, but features a lingering finish that would pair well with raw shellfish.——J.C.(9/1/2009)—— 85

The 2006 Dry Riesling has an attractive nose of apple blossom and white flowers with a fresh, -zingy- palate and vibrant refreshing finish.Located in the suburbs of Auckland, Babich is one of the stalwarts of New Zealand viticulture since Dalmatian-born Josip Babich planted the first vines in 1912. Similar to Villa Maria, they are a large, family-owned enterprise, headed by Peter and Joe Babich who look after two wineries in Auckland and Marlborough (the latter co-owned.) Their premium wines such as Irongate and Patriarch are sourced from their own vineyards, supplemented by long-term contracts with growers for their comprehensive, more commercial range.Importer: Select Fine Wine, Traverse City, MI; tel.(231) 932-9057; fax (231) 346-5936