Superlative Sauvignon Blancs

Greywacke 'Wild Sauvignon' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $36
Ex-Cloudy Bay chief winemaker Kevin Judd has crafted another sensational barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc. Gracefulness is coupled with power in its palate of ripe mango fruit, note of asparagus, rosemary oil, smoke and stone, with a complexity and rich texture no doubt bestowed in part by the wild fermentation alluded to in its name. From Glengarry, Caro's, Fine Wine Delivery Company, First Glass, Point Wines.

Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $35
Though the majority of sauvignons are best enjoyed in the first year of their release, the best can look great with a few years in bottle, such as this stunning example from the 2013 vintage. It's fine and linear, with tones of green herb wrapped around a taut citrus and mineral core, which should be looking good for some years yet. From The Village Wine Trader, fairbourne.co.nz

Brancott Estate Terroir Series Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $19.95
A powerful and pungent sauvignon from Brancott Estate's Terroir Series range that's devoted to wines made from a single sub-region. This one's made from Awatere grapes, some of which spent time in large-format oak cuves (vats). It's a weighty wine with notes of tomato stalk, gooseberry, jalapeno and zesty lime, with finesse provided by its undercurrent of slaty mineral. Widely available from leading liquor retailers.

Tinpot Hut Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $22.50
Tinpot Hut is the label of wine consultant Fiona Turner, who uses grapes from her own Blind River vineyard in the Awatere Valley. It's from here that the majority of the fruit for this complex sauvignon was sourced. It is tight and focused with succulent stonefruit, notes of lime, herb and blackcurrant leaf overlaid with a flinty minerality. From The Village Winery, Grapes Liquor, Bottle-O Courthouse Lane, tinpothut.co.nz

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $24.95
This 2014 release marks the 30th vintage for Nautilus Estate and finds its sauvignon blanc on good form. It's one of the more restrained and textural examples, with an attractive perfumed palate of passionfruit, blackcurrant leaf, fresh basil and lime and a mineral edge. From Glengarry.