Brancott Estate, (Marlborough) Sauvignon Blanc 2010

The term ‘Marlborough Sauv Blanc’ has become synonymous with tropical fruit nose, gooseberry and nectarine flavours on the palate and a crisp, clean finish. But while the basics are always the same, there is little doubt that like most things in life, you only get what you pay for!

A classic example is the Brancott Estate 2010 Sauv Blanc which is made by New Zealand’s largest wine producer and was previously marketed under the “Montana” label. It has the typical Marlborough nose, some nice gooseberry tang, but the normal “zing” just isn’t there.

The most striking feature of the wine is the relative dullness of the fruit across the palate. While there’s a touch of acid at the end, the balance just isn’t quite right.

Of course, at only $10-$12 a bottle, you can’t expect a “95 pointer”, but there is definitely better value out there.