($15, Pasternak Wine Imports): The Awatere Valley, like the Wairau Valley to its north, is a subzone of the Marlborough region on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and is home to some of that country’s most distinctive Sauvignon Blanc.  The 2008 Vavasour has the characteristically electrifying bite of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but in addition, has a substantial mid-palate and good length.  One of the difficulties for producers of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is that the baseline for these wines is high and distinguishing one from the other in this very strong field is difficult.  Vavasour has managed to do just that with its 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. 90 Michael Apstein May 26, 2009