Exuberant sauvignon blancs may wake you up with their crisp acidity, but their assertiveness is best softened with food - cheese, bread, salmon, chicken, vegetable dishes are all good.
BEST VALUE
four stars (out of five)
good value
An exuberant sauvignon, oozing passionfruit, kiwi, citrus and gooseberry, vibrant and zestyin the mouth with a lively finish. Archetypal Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
three and a half stars out of five
average value
Fragrant with hints of passionfruit and pineapple, undertones of gooseberry and herbs, this isassertive and powerful with a suggestion of mineral and a crisp, dry finish.
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value
Floral aromas with lively hints of gooseberries and capsicum, an underlying mineralityand a zesty, lingering finish.
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value
A crisp, tight wine, with suggestions of river stones, herbs and passionfruit, hints of nuts andsmoke, and a lively finish.
four and a half stars (out of five)
good value
Wonderfully pungent and complex, with effusive fresh guava, dried apricots, feijoa, herbs, asuggestion of smoke, mineral and even bailage! A funky wine, textural and mouthfillingfrom barrel fermentation. Sauvignon on steroids.
four stars (out of five)
average value
Floral aromas with hints of nuts among the fresh guava, kiwifruit and herbs, vibrant andlively, but relatively restrained, showing its Hawkes Bay origins.
ANOTHER GLASS
• Forrest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $22
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value
Green fruits - gooseberry and kiwifruit with a hint of mineral and a zesty, assertive finish.
• Spy Valley Envoy Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $29
four stars (out of five)
average value
Fragrant and floral aromas, slightly smoky, nutty overtones and oaky vanilla flavoursmingle with lively green fruit in this lively, textural but well integrated wine.
• Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $25
three and a half stars (out of five)
below average value
A zesty, lively wine with relatively restrained fruit hinting of passionfruit and lime,underlying mineral and a tight, crisp, dry finish.
• Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $28
three and a half stars (out of five)
below average value
Passionfruit, gooseberries and a crisp minerality belie the underlying richness, complexityand length of this wine.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tastingand evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
