Reviewed: 13 October 2012

This tasting presented the opportunity to work our way through a number of interesting wines. From the ever reliable Shaw and Smith SB to the brilliant value Houghton White Classic.

Reviewed

Cherubino – Sauvignon Blanc – Pemberton – 2012 (17.8+). There is no mistaking the high quality oak which is creamy and very fine grained. The palate is viscous and the fruit intensity and quality are excellent. The oak and winemaker’s inputs suppress the delicate fruit now, so some time in the cellar will help this wine to fill out. There is Chardonnay like texture with lovely citrus acidity to close. A complex wine with lovely texture, length and aftertaste. Just give it a few years to fully express itself.

Shaw and Smith – Sauvignon Blanc – 2012 (17.5). Grassy nose to open, with sweet tropical fruit highlights. Lovely fruit on the palate with gooseberry, fresh passionfruit and a hint of pineapple. Very long, the high acid is refreshing and taut. The creamy finish suggests a touch of lees, oak and/or barrel ferment. Another fine wine under this label.

Cherubino – Sauvignon Blanc – The Yard – Channybearup Vineyard – 2012 (17.2). Lovely fresh fruit here over subtle worked characters and a hint of nuttiness. The palate is lively, taut, textural and long. Not overt, but the gentle fruit is very satisfying. There are hints of musk and sherbet to close that add interest.

Houghton – Chenin Blanc Blend – White Classic – 2012 (17). Clean and fresh with hints of pear and talc. The palate has lemony fruit that is vibrant and fresh. Good length, though the finish is quite taut and restrained. Easy to drink now, this is also likely to age superbly over the next 5 years. Bargain!

Willow Bridge – SBS – Dragonfly – 2012 (16.9). There is lemony fruit at the core of this wine. In the mouth, the fruit is persistent and long, with well judged balance. A great wine to drink on a sunny spring afternoon.

Millbrook – SBS – Barking Owl – 2012 (16.8). Smart wine. The palate is tight and long, though a touch linear now. With good mouth-feel, the balance is a highlight. This is a quality wine that could do with a year or so in the bottle to open up. There is a lovely finish with the acidity/sweetness balance perfectly judged. From Margaret River.

O’Leary Walker – Sauvignon Blanc – 2012 (16.7). More straight-forward and bright fruit that is in the tropical spectrum. Not overly dense, but an enjoyable wine with life.

Mount Riley – Sauvignon Blanc – 2012 (16.5). Pungent aromas of lantana, gooseberry, asparagus and pineapple. More of the same on a palate that is clean, fresh and uncomplicated. Good length to close. If you like you NZ SBs, then this is worth a try.