Sauvignon Blanc is often accused of being simple, fresh and boring, but that's certainly not always the case as some of the delicious, complex wines in this tasting demonstrate.
BEST VALUE
$19.95
Four stars (out of 5)
Above average value
Charming fruit hinting of ripe golden kiwifruit with slightly pungent, nutty undertones, but it also has the concentration, structure, texture and length to make it interesting.
$16
Three and a half stars
Above average value
Suggestions of ripe cape gooseberry, passionfruit and capsicum, with a hint of sweat and mineral, a dry finish and a lingering, juicy aftertaste.
$17
Three stars
Average value
A simple, lightish wine with hints of gooseberry and kiwifruit, with a very crisp, juicy finish.
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
Benefiting from the mellowing of an extra year's bottle age, this hints of hot, dusty river stones and green fruits, has good concentration and intensity and a lingering finish.
$34
Four and a half stars
Average value
Not for the faint-hearted, this sauvignon is pungent, funky and complex from barrel fermentation with wild yeast. It hints of cape gooseberries and smoky passionfruit, melded with savoury and vegetal aromas and undertones. It has a firm dry structure and a long, juicy aftertaste.
$38
Four and a half stars
Average value
This took a few minutes to reveal its wonderfully fragrant, pungent aromas. It is complex, textural and mouth-filling with hints of ripe peaches, green vegetables, smoky mineral undertones, and a rich, satisfying finish, yet despite this it manages to remain relatively elegant.
ANOTHER GLASS
Dusky Sound Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$18
Two and a half stars
Below average value
A simple wine suggesting crisp green fruit and green capsicum with a hint of mineral and a slightly hard, crisp finish. A lighter style of sauvignon that is often discounted.
Tiki Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant and oozing ripe fruit - passionfruit, golden kiwi, tangerine with a bite of gooseberry and mineral backbone, this is mouth-filling with a crisp, lingering aftertaste.
Riverby Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2011
$26
Three stars
Below average value
Floral and bright with up front fruit suggesting cape gooseberries with a hint of nuts, a textural, well balanced with with and a fresh finish. This is 65% sauvignon and 35% semillon, and has spent 8 months in oak. Another year or so will allow it to develop.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
