Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 – $$

I bought this wine from Regional because it has the coolest label.

I also like their pinot noir: I tasted a good bottle last year, and bought one for the Pool Room.

The proprietor’s family have owned the land in the Wairau Valley since 1907. It was first planted in grapes in 1980, which were contract-grown for other wineries, before the first release under the Wiffen brand was issued in 1997.

It’s the palest straw in the light. The wine is leggy when swirled.  The nose is definitely Marlborough varietal with green apple and grass and gooseberry notes. It’s warmer on the palate than the smell would indicate. I taste citrus, and there is the crisp acidity we should see. It hangs around the back of the throat nicely.

Give this one a go, peeps, and support the smaller grower. 3.5