WineLovers Discussion Group

I need no coaxing whatsoever to try a new bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve had the opportunity to try a handful-plus-one over the past couple of weeks. Here are brief notes; wines are listed in no particular order of preference.

2004 Chinook Winery Sauvignon Blanc (Yakima Valley, WA): Lovely aroma, but not highly floral. Clear and crisp with refreshing fruit and a good finish. $17

2005 Evans & Tate Underground Series Sauvignon Blanc (Western Australia): Light and crisp with sharp acidity. A bit of an edge on the finish. $10

2005 Fleur du Cap Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch, So Africa): A surprisingly nice wine for the price. Crisp and refreshing with nice fruit and minerals. $8

2005 Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc (Fairview, So Africa): This is a very light bodied wine with little aroma. Drinkable but not very exciting. $8

2004 Claude Lafond La Raie Reuilly (Loire Valley, France): Crisp and lemony with lots of minerals on the finish. Very nice indeed. $17

2005 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand): Crisp and tart with decent complexity and some minerals on the finish. A very good wine for the price. $12

If you need to buy lots of wine for a party, you will not go wrong with the Fleur du Cap. If you desire lemon rocks, the Claude Lafond is for you. If you want a really nice, yet moderately affordable wine, go for the Oyster Bay.

-- Clark

Great notes and recommendations. I like the style. I need to try more Loire SBs.

Fleur du Cap also produce an unfiltered SB that is worth looking out for.

Fair Valley is a separate (ish) operation to Fairview, i.e they have their own winemaker. Its an emplowerment project owned by Fairview workers -- profits go towards homebuilding.

Oyster Bay SB is well well priced and a super NZ SB.

Peter, did you see the discussion on the Uk forum about what is a typical NZ SB? See my post there on the Crawford!

I don't think there is such a thing as a typical NZ SB since there is quite a difference between Marlborough SB and those from elsewhere in NZ. You didn't note where the Crawford SB originated.

The one that impressed me considerably at a friends house recently is 2004 Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc . Must buy some next time I go to the Wine Soc.

Sorry there Peter. Marlborough it is! Hunters, I have not seen recently.
Interest for you maybe is the sparkling SB from Mt Riley? Will look up notes and post on Open Mike Picnic.

Peter May wrote:I don't think there is such a thing as a typical NZ SB since there is quite a difference between Marlborough SB and those from elsewhere in NZ.

Hi Peter,
There's also much diversity between different parts of Marlborough, and many producers here are pushing that point, especially those that bring out Single Vineyard wines. The commonality is that the Marlborough Sauv Blanc is bright, vivacious, fruity and usually very very good, but I'm one-eyed when it comes to his subject.
Cheers,
Sue