WINE REVIEWS: Sauvignon Blanc

Although it's often recommended that sauvignon blanc should be drunk fresh and young, it actually responds well to at least a few months or a year's bottle age, which can allow the fruit to come forward and the sometimes harsh acidity to integrate. Many of these were better the day after I opened them.

 

BEST VALUE

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

$21

Four Stars (out of five)

Good value

Everything you want in a Marlborough sauvignon blanc - citrus flower fragrance, intense mouth-filling flavours, a bright lively finish and lingering fruit on the aftertaste.

www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

 

 

Tiki Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

$20

Four stars

Good value

A burst of summer with floral and passionfruit aromas that leap out of the glass, golden kiwi and ripe peaches and apples follow on the palate along with nutty undertones, a textural intensity and well-structured, crisp finish.

www.tikiwine.com

 

Peter Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

$19

Three and a half stars

Average value

In a lightweight recyclable plastic bottle, this hints of herbs and raindrops on hot stones, green fruits and fresh asparagus, with pleasant weight and a crisp but easy finish.

www.yealandsestate.co.nz

 

 

Staete Landt Map Maker Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

$19

Three and a half stars

Average value

This was unforthcoming when first opened, but the following day it developed into an attractive wine with suggestions of fresh guava, a light pungency, an attractive intensity and nicely balanced finish. Give it a few more months before broaching.

www.staetelandt.co.nz

 

Ryan Nelsen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

$20

Three stars

Below average value

Hints of tropical and kiwifruit, light on the mid-palate but with a very crisp, lively finish.

www.finewinedelivery.co.nz

 

 

Craggy Range Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

$24

Three and a half stars

Below average value

Fragrant with green fruits - kiwi and gooseberry, and a suggestion of raindrops on hot stones, this bright, textural wine has a lively edginess and a crisp, dry finish. The fruit fills out and the wine develops finesse with exposure to air. Give it another few months before enjoying.

www.craggyrange.com 

 

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