Blind River, Sauvignon Blanc 2010, New Zealand
There can be few wine lovers over the age of 40 who would not count Oddbins as being an instrumental force in developing their love of wine. From the ’70s onward the brightly-painted shops with their over-stuffed shelves full of fascinating and diverse wines were like a magnet to wine lovers, and a classroom for many were free tastings and enthusiastic staff spread the word about the joys of wine. For a variety of reasons times have been more difficult for Oddbins in recent years, and just this month almost 40 shops were axed by the chain’s management consultants. Let’s all hope that the 100 or so stores that remain are profitable, healthy and go on to provide many more decades of fantastic wines. This is certainly one terrific example, a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc where a touch of barrel ageing has added a little smoky, creamy influence but which is really all about classically punchy, vivacious and vibrant leafy green notes and succulent fruit. Long, tantalising and tinglingly fresh, it has a white fruit raciness, those leafy green herb notes and a touch of mid-palate creaminess adding contrast and texture to the pithy grapefruit finish. Mid-way between Sancerre and full-on Marlborough style. £12.99, Oddbins
