Reviewed: 18 September 2011

With summer on the horizon, here are a few fresh young whites that are worth a look.

Reviewed

Cape Mentelle – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – 2011 (17.5). More complex and “serious”. By this I mean that the wine has seen some extra winemaking inputs. There is probably a degree of barrel ferment and some extended lees contact. A savoury wine that is more about texture than ripe fruit. The fruit will become more expansive with time in the bottle.

Shaw and Smith – Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 (17.4). More restrained nose with some cut grass notes. Lovely balance and mouth-feel. There is a degree of texture and viscosity to the palate with a long and focused finish. Quite complex, this is good drinking.

Deep Woods – Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 (17.2). Ripe pear and sherbet on a somewhat lean and tight wine. Follows through on the palate with racy acidity and vibrant fruit. Zesty characters on the finish adds interest. The best current drinking in this bracket.

Kim Crawford – Sauvignon Blanc – 2010 (17). More of the NZ characters here, with some classic, though subdued, cat’s pee notes and grapefruit. Quite a complex wine that has a touch of viscosity and depth to the fruit. Good length. Only if you like the style…

West Cape Howe – Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 (17). Reserved. Light, fresh and floral nose. Quite a neutral palate that retains fresh acidity. Will carry food well.

Barking Owl – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – 2011 (16.8). Quite a complex wine, both on the nose and the palate. Long, with more of the viscosity that we have seen on other wines here. Good acidity and length. A crowd pleaser that is cleverly made. Should be good value.

Millbrook – Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 (16.7). Pungent, with lantana, herbaceous notes and a touch of passionfruit. Also has some musk/candied aromas. Forward, ripe and full of flavour. Not that subtle, but has plenty of appeal.