Many people think sauvignon blanc has to be drunk young, but these, all from this year's vintage, were better the day after opening, indicating that several months, or even a year or so of bottle age will see them develop their potential.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Above average value
Fragrant with lively hints of passionfruit, guava, fresh sweet green fruits, ripe apple, a suggestion of mineral and a crisp, assertive finish. Simple, fresh and attractive.
$26
Four stars
Above average value
Lightly pungent with flavoursome hints of guava, exotic green fruits and melon, an underlying savouriness and minerality that give it character, and a lively, attractive finish.www.stoneleigh.co.nz
$35
Four stars
Below average value
A powerful wine, weighty in the mouth with hints of stonefruit and a mineral undertone. It is concentrated, with a steely shaft of acidity, and will definitely benefit from several months or even a couple of years bottle age.
$19
Three stars
Average value
A simple, fruity, off-dry wine with loads of melon and tropical fruit, a little sweetness and a soft finish.
$25
Four stars
Above average value
When first opened this appeared fresh and restrained with hints of gooseberries, but the following day it had developed intensity, richness and power with suggestions of guava and tropical fruit and a lively, well-balanced finish. Give it some bottle age to enable it to show its best.
$31
Four and a half stars
Good value
This shares the same pungent character as the regular Stoneleigh and the overt Latitude (see ''another glass'' on the website), but this is more balanced and harmonious. Pungent with hints of tomato leaf, fresh guava, ripe green fruits and a suggestion of mineral, it is intense, complex, and delicious.
ANOTHER GLASS
Stoneleigh Lattitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$28
Four stars (out of five)
Average value
Pungent with hints of green herbs, fresh vegetables, sweat and tar, this is a big, in-your-face wine with sweet fruit - passionfruit, guava and ripe green fruits, but balanced with a fresh, crisp intensity on the finish. Not for the faint-hearted.
Brancott Estate Living Land Series Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$29
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Below average value
Aromatic, with sweet fruit, suggestions of mineral and nuts, and a long, well integrated finish. Living Land series is Brancott's organic label.
