Bob Campbell is one of only 264 Masters of Wine in the world. An international wine judge, Bob judges wine professionally in ten countries and contributes regularly to publications around the world. His specialty is New Zealand wine which he reviews from an international perspective.
Top ten list – 2009 NZ Sauvignon Blanc
I’ve now tasted a little over 200 different samples of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2009 vintage. It’s fair to say the vintage has been kind – I’d give it a score of eight points out of a possible ten, that’s a jump on the 2008 vintage which scored four points but not as high as 2007 which earned nine points.
Here’s my list (prices in NZ$):
- Astrolabe 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $19.95
- Vavasour 2009 Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc,, Marlborough $21
- Blind River 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $25
- Palliser 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Martinborough $19.95
- Mud House 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $20.90
- Saint Clair 2009 Pioneer Block 2 Swamp Block Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $24.95
- Babich 2009 Individual Vineyards Cowslip Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $25
- Villa Maria 2009 Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $25.99
- Greywacke 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $26
- Saint Clair 2009 Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $32.95
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Hi Bob,
What do you think about Seresin 2009?
Thierry
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:03 am
Sorry, I haven’t tasted it – Seresin usually release their Sauvignon Blanc fairly late. I’m a fan of their style – will track it down and write a tasting note.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:03 am
From an Australian trade perspective i’ve found Dog Point 09 to be particularly exciting with it’s seemingly endless mineral core. The public, with Cloudy Bay 09 served against a masked dog point, remarkably agreed!
February 12th, 2010 at 5:25 am
So far there are only about 5 2009 Sauvignon Blancs here. Most people are still trying to work through the 2008. We do havethe Mud House 2009 and I think it is excellent. I love the zingy acidity and depth of flavor. The only others from 2009 are Villa Maria PB, Dashwood, Clifford Bay, The Crossings, and Kim Crawford. Of those I like the Clifford Bay the best after Mud House. I am also amazed that it sells here for $10 US. From your list, I don’t think we see Astrolabe, Blind Trail, or Greywacke here.
February 12th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I have yet to taste Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc but am a big fan of their style. Watch this space …
February 12th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Thanks for that feedback. Mud House is my first choice on your short list although the others rate reasonably well. I’ve always found that Dashwood offers excellent value.
February 13th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Probably against the fashion among ‘serious’ wine drinkers, I’m a fan of decent Sauvignon Blanc. For quite some time, it’s been trendy to knock Savvy. But nowadays, the best labels offer subtleties, diversity of style and are delicious. They work well with our modern food too.
I like all the Sauvignons on your list (bar a couple I haven’t tried). I say “Give Sauv a chance” to those who put it down.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Its been trendy among many to knock down whatever wine is popular. Many use the phrase that certain types of wine have become a parody of themselves. I agree that too many Marlborough Suav Blancs taste too similar to each other and its not easy to find something unique. But, as a whole, very few are truly bad and most are well priced.