Villa Maria (NZ) Private Bin Sauvigon Blanc 2002
Just last week Villa Maria’s 2002 Cellar Selection Riesling scooped the ‘wine of the month’ in the under 10 category, but I have no hesitation is declaring this double whammy for one of the most consistent and best value New Zealand Sauvignons, which also manages to retain lots of Marlborough typicity. In screwcap this is burstingly fresh, launching an assualt of vibrancy on the senses: pungent, piercing gooseberry fruit, with an edge of green bean and nettle, just hints of a lychee and tropical fruit ripeness. On the palate it has a great shockwave of mineral and grapefruit acidity running through it, but is layered with sweet tropical fruit and retains that grassy, almost flinty edge. It has full body and plenty of verve, and is a fine example of a wine that retains plenty of character, whilst being available on the mass market. An absolutely delicious summer wine. Booths, Luvian’s, Oddbins, Tesco, Majestic, Sainsbury’s, £7.99
