Clear, pale lemon-gold appearance. Clean, medium intensity grapefruit, lemon, hints of ripe tropical fruits, and a touch of grassiness. Dry, high acidity, and medium body. Mainly citrus in the mouth, with some appealing floral-spice notes. Not much length. 13% alcohol. Overall good, especially at the price—just over $16 at Crosstown—though pretty straightforward. Cheap and cheerful, as they say; but it’s tempting to say that the flavours of this wine are more forward due to the organic production, as I find is often the case: I have to search out more organically produced wines.
Organic
Richmond Plains Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Clear, light gold appearance. Nose is clean, medium intensity green pepper and green apples. Dry, high acidity, light body. Lemon-pepper, mineral, and green fruit. Medium length with an herbaceous finish; 12% alcohol. Sharp and fresh; organic. Overall good—recommended. $24 at Crosstown. See Richmond Plains.
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2008
Several people have suggested the Tantalus Riesling to me and I was a little underwhelmed, but I hadn’t tried the Old Vines. This is a clear, pale-plus lemon-gold with a clean, medium intensity lime, mineral, and petrol nose with a hint of sweetness. Dry on the palette, though, with high acidity. Medium body with green apple and mineral dominating with a touch of tropical fruit. Good long finish. Recommended; far superior to the regular Riesling from Tantalus. 12.1% alcohol. $30 at Taylorwood. See Tantalus Vineyards (warning: Flash); wine maker’s notes. Tantalus has gone organic, which is great news.
2009 Momo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Clear pale gold appearance. Clean medium-plus intensity lemon-vegetal nose. Dry, high acidity and light body with intense citrus, green pepper, and floral notes. Good length. 13.5% alcohol. Recommended. $22.90 at Marquis. See Momo Wines (currently converting to organic).



