Oyster Bay (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2002
I have followed this wine for many years now, since making the 1998 vintage a ‘wine of the week’ back in 1999. It is a subsidiary label of the high quality Delegat’s estate, and it is wonderful to see a wine which is so widely available across the UK still putting in such a strong performance. I chose another New Zealand Sauvignon – The Crossings – just a few weeks ago, but couldn’t resist recommending this, my first wine from the 2002 vintage. On this evidence, 2002 looks very promising for Marlborough, and this is a wine in a slightly more luscious style. It has a delightful nose of fresh pear, passionfruit and lime, with just glimpses of grassy, herbal notes and of a richer, tropical core. On the palate there is plenty of pungent gooseberry and nettle zing, with luscious, lightly honeyed pineapple chunk notes and plenty of racy acidity. A real blast of Marlborough freshness and verve at a very reasonable price. Everywine, Luvian’s, Majestic, Co-op, £6.99
