These 2013 sauvignon blancs have recently been bottled and are so young and fresh they develop charm and weight with 20 minutes or so in the glass. They will reward cellaring for six months to a year or more.
BEST VALUE
$21.50
Four and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Pungent and oozing currant leaf, green capsicum, guava, melon, green kiwi and gooseberry, this is mouth-filling with a refreshing acidity and satisfying balance - all you expect from a lively young Marlborough sauvignon.
$20
Four stars
Good value
Fragrant with hints of gorse flowers, ripe apple, melon, passion fruit and suggestions of herbs, an underlying minerality and enough fruit weight and intensity to balance the lively, crisp finish. An attractive fresh young sauvignon blanc.
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
A fragrant young wine with intense fruit suggesting tropical and passion fruit, lively citrus and herbs, with a crisp, well-balanced finish. It will reward at least a few months bottle age.
www.martinborough-vineyard.co.nz
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
Initially pungent with hints of kiwi, stonefruit, mandarin and capsicum, followed by an assertively crisp, minerally finish. Best with food.
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
This is attractive with lush fruit hinting of nectarine, gooseberry and ripe apple, a mineral undertone and a lively, assertive finish. Good with food, especially a slice of cheese.
$30
Four stars
Average value
An older wine with some barrel fermentation that gives complexity and a hint of smokiness. It's intense and mouth-filling with suggestions of canned asparagus, peas and nuts and has a long, satisfying finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Woollaston Tussock Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$19
Three stars
Below average value
Hints of melon, gooseberry and stone fruit, with a shaft of mineral and lime, and a steely, crisp finish.
Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Marlborough Saugivnon Blanc 2013
$19.50
Three and a half stars
Average value
Aromas suggesting rain on hot, dusty gravel with intense fruit hinting of green capsicum, passionfruit and currant leaf, and an assertive acidity, but nevertheless it is nicely balanced.
