Unless sauvignon blanc has some sweetness or exceptional
balance, the lively acidity means it tastes better with food
- something rich or cheesy, such as a gratin, to
counterbalance the often assertive finish.
BEST UNDER $20
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2012
$14-$20
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
Fragrant with hints of raindrops on hot riverstones,
mouth-filling with ripe apple, passionfruit and fresh guava,
a lovely balance between fruit and crisp acidity and a long
aftertaste.
VVVwww.villamaria.co.nz
Wild River Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$15
Three and a half stars
Good value
With suggestions of sweet passionfruit and ripe peach with an
underlying hint of mineral and herbs, this is a fruit-driven,
off-dry wine with a crisp finish.
www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Carrick Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2012
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
A lively young wine, oozing suggestions of schist and
greywacke with passionfruit and green fruits underneath, a
dry wine with good weight in the mouth and a crisp, assertive
finish.
Needs food to mitigate the lively acidity.
www.carrick.co.nz
Ara Single Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with hints of passionfruit, gooseberries and
possibly fresh ginger, this fruit-driven, mouth-filling wine
oozes white peach and lime and finishes with a long, nicely
balanced, crisp aftertaste.
www.ara.co.nz
Stoneleigh Sparkling Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Sparkling sauvignon is a popular style of fizz. This is
aromatic with vibrant fruit - passionfruit and citrus, a hint
of mineral, a mouth-filling mousse and a crisp, tingly,
lingering finish. A lovely burst of summer in each mouthful.
www. stoneleigh.co.nz
Pegasus Bay Waipara Sauvignon Semillon 2010
$28
Four and a half stars
Good value
More complex than the other wines in this tasting, this is
pungent and floral with hints of passionfruit, grapefruit
marmalade and buttery nuts, rich, concentrated and
mouth-filling on the palate with weight and texture from wild
yeast barrel fermentation, and a long, delicious finish.
Versatile with food or delicious by itself.
www.pegasusbay.com
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