Although it's often recommended that sauvignon blanc should
be drunk fresh and young, it actually responds well to at
least a few months or a year's bottle age, which can allow
the fruit to come forward and the sometimes harsh acidity to
integrate. Many of these were better the day after I opened
them.
BEST VALUE
Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2012
$21
Four Stars (out of five)
Good value
Everything you want in a Marlborough sauvignon blanc - citrus
flower fragrance, intense mouth-filling flavours, a bright
lively finish and lingering fruit on the aftertaste.
www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz
Tiki Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
$20
Four stars
Good value
A burst of summer with floral and passionfruit aromas that
leap out of the glass, golden kiwi and ripe peaches and
apples follow on the palate along with nutty undertones, a
textural intensity and well-structured, crisp finish.
www.tikiwine.com
Peter Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
$19
Three and a half stars
Average value
In a lightweight recyclable plastic bottle, this hints of
herbs and raindrops on hot stones, green fruits and fresh
asparagus, with pleasant weight and a crisp but easy finish.
www.yealandsestate.co.nz
Staete Landt Map Maker Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2012
$19
Three and a half stars
Average value
This was unforthcoming when first opened, but the following
day it developed into an attractive wine with suggestions of
fresh guava, a light pungency, an attractive intensity and
nicely balanced finish. Give it a few more months before
broaching.
www.staetelandt.co.nz
Ryan Nelsen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$20
Three stars
Below average value
Hints of tropical and kiwifruit, light on the mid-palate but
with a very crisp, lively finish.
www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Craggy Range Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
$24
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Fragrant with green fruits - kiwi and gooseberry, and a
suggestion of raindrops on hot stones, this bright, textural
wine has a lively edginess and a crisp, dry finish. The fruit
fills out and the wine develops finesse with exposure to air.
Give it another few months before enjoying.
www.craggyrange.com
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