Wither Hills (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2004
There has been some talk recently that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has started to lose its shine; that the wines are basically one-trick ponies that all taste the same. I for one do not believe that: though a lot of NZ Sauvignon shares a similar punchy character, there are producers making all types of Sauvignon, from grassy and herbal, to ones filled with mineral and lemon flavours, to tropical fruit-bomb styles. This screw-capped bottle from Wither Hills is stunning and uniquely Marlborough – one of the great New World regions to really stamp its mark on wines produced there. It has a hugely aromatic nose with passionfruit aromas and juicy hints of lychee and mango. It has all sorts of mineral, almost smoky nuances and a core of intense lime. On the palate it is tangy and vibrant, filled with mouth-watering orange and grapefruit flavours. It really has stunning fruit purity, and a beautifully long finish that is elegant and poised with shimmering acidity. £8.99 Oddbins.
