Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Appearance: Pale yellow.
Aroma: Highly aromatic. Pungent tropical fruits.
Flavour: Intense from the very start; sour fruit front palate with squeaky-clean, steely mineral and lime characters and a lingering pineapple finish. Delicious!
Gooseberry, apple, herbaceous, yellow pepper and pineapple.

Is this the holy grail of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs?
For those like me who love (and are willing to pay for) the best Marlborough has to offer, this is a must buy. I reckon it is a serious competitor for Cloudy Bay and others if not the best of the lot.
Whilst I would argue that this wine is fantastic value for money, I agree that it is expensive. However, I find that are so many beautiful subtleties to discover that I can happily sit and contemplate a quarter of a glass for ages without drinking much at all. I would share it between 4, served an aperitif or on its own to appreciate it fully. If it has to go with food, at least don't go glugging it down with a curry...
 

Wine Name: Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Stoneleigh

Grape/Blend: Sauvignon Blanc

Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13%

Country: New Zealand (Marlborough)

Bought at: Waitrose

Price: £10.99

Value for money: ♦♦♦ Good
Over all rating: ♦♦♦♦♦ Outstanding

The Ned Pinot Grigio 2010

This powerful and complex New Zealand wine is named after a high peak overlooking the vines of the Waihopai Valley. Part of the Marlborough region, Waihopai is famous for two things:

1. A mysterious and controversial spy facility.

2. Fresh and minerally high quality white wines.

Appearance: Very, very pale pink/orange. Beautiful!

Aroma: Misleadingly light fragrance. Pear and subtle spiciness.

Flavour: Fruit-driven and heady. Classic Marlborough minerality and racy acid. The strength of flavour and alcohol is nicely balanced by the generous sweetness. Noticed pear drops, lemon, nectarine skin and green strawberry.

For everyday drinking, this is an expensive bottle of wine. For a special occasion, however, this wine represents excellent value for money; it's expertly crafted, beautifully balanced and a refreshing take on a Pinot Grigio.

Wine Name: The Ned Pinot Grigio

Producer: The Ned

Grape/Blend: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris)

Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%

Country: New Zealand

Bought at: Waitrose

Price: £9.99

Value for money: ♦♦♦ Good

Over all rating: ♦♦♦♦ Very Good