Friendly savs
Rebecca TaylorWe have a number of Sauvignon Blancs produced right on our doorstep from the wider Wairarapa region that strike a harmonious balance between the green spectrum of flavours and higher acidty typical of the Marlborough style and the more tropical characters that crop up as you move further up the North Island. Unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, but just a little more approachable, these wines can really get the juices going but without bringing a tear to the eye. The region of origin is not the only factor in this though; the selection of grapes and the winemaking decisions made about the wine will also have an effect on the finished product. Often the wine you’re drinking is the result of careful blending of several different batches that have been treated in different ways. A well-made wine is necessarily a well-conceived wine.
Three different Sauvignon Blancs from Gladstone Vineyard neatly demonstrate the influence both of the place of origin and the winemaker.
12 000 Miles Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – the 12 000 Miles range is built around an easy drinking philosophy where the wines are crafted to be fruit forward, expressive and just as enjoyable with or without food. This shows plenty of aromatics and tropical notes on the nose, but these are underpinned by pungency. It’s actually quite broad in the mouth (from a bit of lees influence) with friendly acidity. $20.00 Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – is made using riper fruit picked from older blocks. There’s also more lees influence, and a portion has been fermented in barrels and blended into the final wine. It’s almost floral on the nose, with a mealy nuance, a very textural palate and savoury notes on the finish. $25.00
Gladstone Vineyard “Sophie’s Choice” Sauvignon Blanc 2009 – this has had the most work done to it, and has been 100% barrel fermented, it has the broadest texture of the three and quite a different flavour profile. It’s quite creamy, with lemon curd and stonefruit flavours and cashew nuts. This is a very food versatile wine. $39.00









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