Sauvignon blanc, New Zealand's best known wine, comes in many styles - from fresh and zingy to barrel fermented and complex.
The latest is as a bubbly, with Lindauer, among others, producing refreshing, lively fizz from this variety.
Framingham Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
$19.90
A classic zingy Marlborough sauvignon, with a hint of mineral, suggestions of tropical fruit, passionfruit and gooseberry, bright intense flavours, but yet an underlying restraint with a long finish.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Good value
(about $22)
At 9.5% alc (compared with the more usual 12-14%) this is ideal for lunch - you can have a whole glass and still go back to work! It's light but has a nice intensity, with a hint of mineral and an underlying delicacy. Good with food.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
(about $30)
At present this is fragrant with hints of ripe kiwi and apple and an underlying minerality, but its persistence and length marks it as a stylish, even charming young wine that will develop with a few more months bottle age.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
(aobut $26)
Typically funky, pungent Awatere sauvignon, with wonderfully exuberant fruit oozing herbs, salad leaves, and mineral, complex, and textural makes a definite statement.
A new top of the range label from Mud House aimed at cafes and restaurants - just as well as the eye-catching labels are hard to read with small print on a red background - but worth looking out for in specialist shops.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
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(about $26)
I can't help feeling this is masquerading as a chardonnay, with an oaky nuttiness that jars slightly with the green fruited sauvignon flavours.
However, it's very drinkable and good with food.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
(about $15, but often on special)
A zesty sparkler with a hint of passionfruit and gooseberry, a light sweetness and refreshing bubbles.
Serve well chilled this summer.
- Two stars (out of five)
- Below average value
~ ANOTHER GLASS ~
Curio Gane's Vineyard Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008
(about $26)
Aromas of dusty greywacke, dusty herbs. fresh guava and other green fruits, this is a full-on wine with a hint of toast, an almost oily texture and a long aftertaste.
A new, top of the range label from Mud House made from single vineyards and small parcels. They are aimed at cafes and restaurants but worth seeking out in specialist wine shops.
Examine the label carefully as there are several varieties and it's hard to tell the difference with small print on a red background.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
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Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
