Not everyone likes the lush fruity intensity and crisp acidity of typical Marlborough sauvignon blancs. There are lighter ones for the faint hearted, and full on pungent ones for the bold. And for connoisseurs who often avoid sauvignon blanc, there are unusual, interesting ones like, in this tasting, the Hawkes Bay Alluviale.
BEST VALUE
$20
Four stars
Good value
Fragrant with hints of mineral, dusty river stones, ripe fruits and herbs, this has all the fresh, mouth-filling intensity you expect from Marlborough, and finishes with a nicely balanced, crisp acidity. Although delicious now, it will probably be at its best in 12 months or so.
$24
Four stars
Average value
Fragrant, floral and charming, oozing zesty ripe passionfruit and kiwi berries, with a crisp, lively acidity and a steely dry finish.
$24
Four stars
Average value
A fragrant, golden wine exuding exotic fruit and gorseflowers, mouth-filling and textural with a faint suggestion of spicy oak and a dry finish. Unusual, and good with food.
$25
Four stars
Average value
A lush, fragrant wine with voluptuous sweet fruit - passionfruit and green fruits, a lively intensity and a crisp finish, with a dash of sweetness balancing the crisp acidity.
$27
Four stars
Average value
Pungent with a hint of minerality and sweet fruits - kiwi, citrus - held in restraint at present by the tight acidity and dry finish. This is unusually restrained for a sauvignon but I suspect a few more months will allow it to reveal its potential.
$33
Four and a half stars
Average value
Always one of the best sauvignons, this is perfumed and pungent, with hints of river stones, herbs and gooseberries, but also textural and mouth-filling with a fresh, well-balanced, harmonious finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Woollaston Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$23
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Light aromas, hints of mineral, ripe fruit and a very crisp, lively finish.
Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$22
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Ripe green fruits, golden kiwi, herbs, flowers and a hint of mineral, finishing with an attractive, fresh acidity.
