A Sauvignon mini-study, tasting seven wines of different origins and ages
My twin sister was in town, and she loves Sauvignon Blanc. So we did a quick blind tasting of seven different Sauvignons. These are my notes.
Emil Bauer Bundschuh Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Pfalz, Germany
12% alcohol
Highly aromatic with elderflower and citrus as well as some green herby notes and a slightly chalky note. In the mouth this is fresh and citrussy with lovely green leafy notes adding a sense of freshness, and it finishes chalky and mineral, with some lemon pith. 90/100
Hollick The Bard Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Coonawarra, Australia
13.5% alcohol
Lovely aromatics of elderflower and lime with some grapefruit pith and green pepper. Juicy and linear with nice acidity, and some herbal hints. Very stylish, if a tiny bit compressed. 90/100
Château de Cruzeau Blanc 2016 Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
13% alcohol
There’s some density and richness here from barrel fermentation, and this shows pear, a touch of peach and some smoky grapefruit character. There’s some lemony freshness, but the nutty richness emerges quite quickly. Stylish and distinctive. 91/100
Seresin Marama Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, New Zealand
14.5% alcohol
Wild ferment, organic grapes, barriques, aged 17 months in barrel. This is a rich, complex, atypical Marlborough Sauvignon. Striking nose with mint, melon and peach, as well as some nuts, herbs and figs. There’s nice depth here with lovely pear and citrus. Crystalline, detailed and finely spiced with lots of layers of flavour. It’s ageing really well, but in a style that’s all its own. 93/100
Les Jardins de Theseiis Sauvignon Blanc Jardin du Poira 2018 Vin de France
13.5% alcohol
No added sulfites, biodynamic farming. Beautiful complexity on the nose with lime and grapefruit with subtle toast and some waxy notes. So fresh and vital. Juicy, bright palate with tangy lemon and lime, as well as a touch of jasmine and elderflower. Beautiful acidity. So fine and expressive. 93/100
Morande Edición Limitada Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca, Chile
12.5% alcohol
With age this has developed a really interesting complexity. Complex pear, fig and lime notes with a crystalline citrus character and lively acidity. Some subtle toast, but also really pure and fine with an amazing citrus presence, as well as a twist of wax and herb. I’m really impressed with this: you don’t normally think of Chilean Sauvignon as being ageworthy. 92/100
Château de Rochemorin Blanc 2016 Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
13% alcohol
A fresh, supple Sauvignon that has developed nicely over seven years. Bright and linear with crystalline citrus fruit, showing nice brightness and notes of pear, melon and elderflower. Grainy and detailed with subtle green notes as well as lovely citrus fruit, and a touch of fennel. 93/100
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