I don’t drink a lot of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, but equally I don’t hold a faddish stance against it.  The grape variety simply works in Marlborough, it having defined the region much as certain grape varieties have defined the classic wine regions of France, Germany, Italy and Spain.  I think this is no small achievement.

This particular sauvignon blanc from Giesen from the 2011 vintage reminded me of a hypothetical blend of a Marlborough sauvignon blanc and a Sancerre.  It is lemon-white in colour with a pale intensity of expression.  The wine opens to medium intensity aromatics of straw, hay and stones.  Softer gooseberry notes voice in the background together with some lemon pith, and a sprinkling of crushed up passionfruit.  The palate is high in acidity, and lemon citrus pith dominant.  I found this wine to be a quite enjoyable and balanced expression of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.  Good

Abv: 13%
Price: $23
Source: sample
Vendors: Check http://www.wine-searcher.com/
Website: http://www.giesen.co.nz
Tasted: 2013
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