TOP OF THE TASTING

1 Vidal Estate Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($20)

To quote 90s Britpop sensations Jesus Jones, “right here right now; there’s no other place I want to be!” said Yvonne of this miraculously tasty wine. “It’s juicy, rich and erupts with huge herbaceousness, jalapeño and lime.” For Ross, its sweet floral and white nectarine notes get better with every sip. Cameron loved its solid, crisp, refreshing character and dry length of flavour.

2

Waimea Estate Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($19.99)

“Such a pretty wine, showing classic herbs, nettles, florals and incredible concentration – a seriously attractively fruity wine,” noted Jane. It was the length of flavour which really impressed James. “Powerful,” said Colin. “Here’s a wine with intense depth of flavour and lovely balance”.

3

Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($14.50)

Simon Fell is the winemaker responsible for this intensely succulent wine. “Great herb, citrus, grassy, tropical goodness,” said Cameron. Ross loved the river stone minerality and passionfruit punch. That this can be bought for $15 is nuts. Glorious stuff.

4 Greywacke Wild Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($37.95)

If you can’t say “Kevin Judd” and “Marlborough sauvignon blanc” in the same sentence, best you hit the history books my friend, because this Cloudy Bay alumni has created something superbly sippable. Colin loved the creamy, nutty, toasty complexity of this barrel fermented wine, while Jane was seduced by its flinty, sophisticated palate.

5

The Sisters Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($17.99)

Here’s a wine that erupted with ripe lemon, lime, passionfruit and a tweak of tobacco, according to Colin. James agreed, adding “layers of citrus complexity” gave it the edge, while Jane loved the capsicum edge and its clean, herbaceous length of flavour.

6

Te Pā Oke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($24.99)

This wine’s 2016 vintage was our top pick of the last tasting, which proves Marlborough sauvignon blanc can be complex, smoky, roasty and toasty and scoop gold medals. Aromas of pine pollen, marzipan and smoked passionfruit are followed by lemongrass, lime leaf and tropical tastiness. “Great texture” and “classy, seductive complexity” came from James and Jane.

7 Mount Riley Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($17)

This sauvignon elegantly carried across the palate with tropical punch and grassy layers” noted Ross, while Yvonne was wowed by its “banging” capsicum, sweet pea and citrus succulence.

8

Hunter’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($19.90)

From one of Marlborough’s pioneers comes a new vintage with volumes of vavoom. “Elegant, sophisticated, stylish with a hint of saltiness, this will appeal to anyone who loves a pinch of flintiness in their sauvignon” said Jane. Colin added it had beautiful textural complexity and mouthfeel.

9

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($39.99)

It might surprise some to know 7 per cent of the juice is fermented in older oak barrels to add depth and deliciousness to one of the world’s most famous white wine brands. Ever. “Gorgeous green apple and crisp tropical tautness with a beautiful acid line,” said Cameron.

10

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($20)

There’s something about a Lawson’s sauvignon that has a sweet, sexy, soft aromatic layer followed by a fresh, zesty mouthfeel. “Tropical, citrus, gooseberry, grassy sweetness, lively acidity; it’s lovely,” announced Cameron.

11

Blind River Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25)

Winemaking team Rebecca Wiffen and Marcus Wright are superstars at injecting crunchy capsicum and hints of jalapeño, said Ross. Yvonne felt the 10 per cent barrel ferment offers layers of soft, creamy, nuttiness in the mouth.