Sauvignon blanc released this time of year, while they are picking the next vintage, is alwaysinteresting and often more complex than younger wine. Sometimes it's just the effect of a year's age, but often it'sbecause of winemaking practices such as barrel fermentation, or lees ageing. For those who findmany ordinary sauvignon blancs boring, these wines are worth trying.
BEST VALUE
$19
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
A hint of dusty gravel and mineral on the nose belies the weighty ripe green fruits, texture and intensity in the mouth. This is crisp and refreshing with long finish and a hint of citrus on the aftertaste.
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with floral and mineral hints, broad and mouth-filling with suggestions of asparagus, savoury undertones and a crisp finish.
$24
Three and a half stars
Average value
Kim and Erica Crawford who sold their Kim Crawford brand to the multinational Constellation wines some years ago, have started again with Loveblock, an organic vineyard above the Awatere Valley in Marlborough. This hints of mineral but with attractive fruit, and a crisp, well balanced finish.
$21
Three and a half stars
Average value
This popular brand has changed from a clear to a green bottle, but the wine retains its herbal and mineral fragrance, a burst of bright fruit with citrus undertones and a crisp, lively acidity.
$20
Three and a half stars
Aerage value
A fruity wine, oozing ripe fruits - pineapple, mango melon, passionfruit and kiwi, a hint of mineral, rich in the mouth and with fresh, lively, juicy finish. This is resveratrol enhanced, which does not seem to affect the flavour, though it may add a richness.
$27
Four and a half stars
Good value
Sauvignon gris, a grape variety related to sauvignon blanc, has a similar but not quite as audacious a character. This is floral and slightly funky with complex aromas and flavours, rich and mouth-filling with intense fruit, hints of mineral, a lively palate and long, well balanced aftertaste.
ANOTHER GLASS
Mahi Boundary Farm Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$29
Four stars
Average value
Almost gold in colour, this initially oozed toasty, cream oak with hints of buttery nuts, but the following day the barrel fermented wine had settled from an oak-dominated wine to a complex, slightly funky, nutty wine, stylish, tight and dry but with a satisfying richness in the mouth.
Worth cellaring for a year or two.
Brancott Estate Letter Series B Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$31
Four stars
Below average value
A stylish wine, oozing kiwifruit, gooseberry, green melon, passionfruit and ripe guava, complex, concentrated with interest and complexity, good balance and a lingering aftertaste.
