Most of the better 2014 sauvignon blancs will benefit from another few months or a year's bottle age, but some deliciously potent ones turned up in this group.
BEST VALUE
$25
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
With a year's bottle age, the effusive fruit - zesty lime, citrus, fresh guava, passionfruit - mineral and suggestions of tinned peas, has harmonised with the rich textural and vibrant finish.
giesen.co.nz
$27
Four stars
Good value
Exuberant fruit suggesting passionfruit, citrus, pineapple and a hint of golden kiwifruit, rich and vibrant in the mouth with a lovely intensity and a well-balanced crisp acidity. A hedonist's sauvignon blanc.
saintclair.co.nz
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
A zesty wine hinting of gooseberries, ripe green kiwifruit and hot river stones, this has lovely fruit intensity, a crisp, vibrant finish and lingering aftertaste.
arawines.com
$23
Three and a half stars
Average value
Catalina Sounds wine is better known in Australia than New Zealand but is now available here as well as across the Ditch. This oozes grapefruit, gooseberries and crisp apples with a suggestion of fresh sweat and mineral, and it has a nicely balanced weight and intensity with a crisp finish.
catalinasounds.co.nz
$17
Three stars
Average value
With soft floral aromas, hints of mandarin and crisp apples, this is lighter in flavour than some but has a lively, assertive finish.
giesen.co.nz
$38
Four stars
Below average value
Pungent and oozing fresh guava, passionfruit, green fruits and hot river stones, this is a powerful, assertive wine with a rich seam of acidity and a vibrant finish.
cloudybay.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Giesen The August 1888 2012
$44
four and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
A barrel fermented sauvignon, hinting of smoke, mineral and tinned peas, it's mouth-filling
with a suggestion of nuttiness, complex flavours and textures and a nicely balanced finish. One of a
handful of fine barrel-fermented sauvignons that will develop for 5-10 years.
giesen.co.nz
