£13.50, The Wine Society, Hennings Wine
It’s hard for any New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to stand out from the massed crowds, but Dog Point always stands tall with its depth, vibrancy and perfect balance. The duo behind it are Ivan Sutherland and James Healy, who originally worked together at the legendary Cloudy Bay as chief viticulturalist and head winemaker, respectively. At Dog Point their approach is environmentally friendly and organic in the vineyard – around 2000 sheep graze there in winter – and non-interventionist in the winery. The 2016 Sauvignon has a mouthwatering, smoky, flinty, struck-match aroma and is brimming with lime, passion fruit and green herb flavours and a long, mineral finish. Most of it will be drunk as soon as it’s bought, but Dog Point is a Sauvignon that ages well, if you have somewhere cool and dark to keep it. Just a thought. Otherwise, drink it now with fish, seafood, vegetables including tomato-rich dishes, goats’ cheese or Asian-inspired dishes.
Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand
£13.50, The Wine Society, Hennings Wine