Part of my on-going investigations into ageing white wine varietals (and thank you to Rosie Menzies for this bottle for the project) – a Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc with 15 years in the bottle. From a single vineyard on the estate, this is fermented in old oak barrels, to a dry finish.
A pale gold in the glass, with a brightness, and fresh aromatics. Lime, green apple, white pepper, kumquat, pear, vanilla and gooseberry on the nose. Light and jazzy into the palate, with a riper element emerging – peach and melon fruits. Acidity is keen with a chalky, drying edge and a saline zestiness. The focus and purity of this is mouthwateringly good. Not overly varietal in NZ terms – this is more like a European expression, and has a minerality and balance that just makes it a great dry white wine, regardless of what it is made from. The finish is long and salivating. 92pts
