Unless sauvignon blanc has some sweetness or exceptional balance, the lively acidity means it tastes better with food - something rich or cheesy, such as a gratin, to counterbalance the often assertive finish.
BEST UNDER $20
$14-$20
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
Fragrant with hints of raindrops on hot riverstones, mouth-filling with ripe apple, passionfruit and fresh guava, a lovely balance between fruit and crisp acidity and a long aftertaste.
$15
Three and a half stars
Good value
With suggestions of sweet passionfruit and ripe peach with an underlying hint of mineral and herbs, this is a fruit-driven, off-dry wine with a crisp finish.
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
A lively young wine, oozing suggestions of schist and greywacke with passionfruit and green fruits underneath, a dry wine with good weight in the mouth and a crisp, assertive finish.
Needs food to mitigate the lively acidity.
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with hints of passionfruit, gooseberries and possibly fresh ginger, this fruit-driven, mouth-filling wine oozes white peach and lime and finishes with a long, nicely balanced, crisp aftertaste.
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Sparkling sauvignon is a popular style of fizz. This is aromatic with vibrant fruit - passionfruit and citrus, a hint of mineral, a mouth-filling mousse and a crisp, tingly, lingering finish. A lovely burst of summer in each mouthful.
www. stoneleigh.co.nz
$28
Four and a half stars
Good value
More complex than the other wines in this tasting, this is pungent and floral with hints of passionfruit, grapefruit marmalade and buttery nuts, rich, concentrated and mouth-filling on the palate with weight and texture from wild yeast barrel fermentation, and a long, delicious finish.
Versatile with food or delicious by itself.
