WTN: Recent Sauvignon notes

Here are my TNs so far this year revealed by a CT search on Sauvignon blanc together with a curiosity from last year, a 12 year old entry level Kiwi. I have probably consumed more in the form of repeats for which I did to post a new TN. All four wines were in the bracket of €10-12. This cheap for the Pessac-Léognan, which unusually contains no Sémillon apparently.


2022 Bailly-Lapierre Saint-Bris - France, Burgundy, Côtes d'Auxerre, Saint-Bris (30/08/2024)
This shows attractive SB qualities typical of northerly France but I don't have the experience to distinguish it from central Loire appellations like Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, etc. Can anyone help me with this? Pure and mineral like spring water flowing fast over rocks together with citrus (especially grapefruit) and gooseberry flavouring, mouth-watering acidity and a saline touch on the finish. I like this better than Davenne's rather bland 2022 offering. Good+.

2021 Château de Cruzeau Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (03/05/2024)
I like this much more than the 2019. Quite SB varietally marked with lemon, grapefruit and gooseberry notes, but with fine minerals and a generous undertow with worked very well with lotte and slightly sweet curried vegetables. Good.

2022 Domaine du Chêne Vert Quincy Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Marius Jacob - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Quincy (16/02/2024)
I enjoyed this more than the previous bottle. There was an underlying roundness which complemented the crisp citrus fruit and minerals very nicely. Good.

2011 Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (29/04/2023)
I was so surprised to see this Kiwi SB on the shelves in rural France that I paid no attention to the vintage. When back home I saw the 12 year old vintage, was expecting a washed out faded wine at best and had a bottle of Viré-Clessé 2020 in reserve this evening in case it was a disaster. I need not have worried. It had aged very gracefully. It was not a big wine by now but subtle and complex showing mature white fruit, hints of acacia, discreet minerals and slightly petrol note on the firm finish which I could have mistaken for Riesling. Good.
Posted from CellarTracker

2011 Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (29/04/2023)
I was so surprised to see this Kiwi SB on the shelves in rural France that I paid no attention to the vintage. When back home I saw the 12 year old vintage, was expecting a washed out faded wine at best and had a bottle of Viré-Clessé 2020 in reserve this evening in case it was a disaster. I need not have worried. It had aged very gracefully. It was not a big wine by now but subtle and complex showing mature white fruit, hints of acacia, discreet minerals and slightly petrol note on the firm finish which I could have mistaken for Riesling. Good.

Most interesting, Tim. As you may know, Brancott is the International label for Montana wines, the largest wine producer in NZ (Villa Maria being the second largest). They had to relabel for sales in the US owing to the existence of a Montana winery in the US. I have had several aged Sauvignons in New Zealand while visiting the Wairau River winery, but like you I'd never have expected an entry-level wine such as the Brancott Estate to have such staying power.

[quote="Tim York".]2022 Bailly-Lapierre Saint-Bris - France, Burgundy, Côtes d'Auxerre, Saint-Bris (30/08/2024)
This shows attractive SB qualities typical of northerly France but I don't have the experience to distinguish it from central Loire appellations like Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, etc. Can anyone help me with this? Pure and mineral like spring water flowing fast over rocks together with citrus (especially grapefruit) and gooseberry flavouring, mouth-watering acidity and a saline touch on the finish. I like this better than Davenne's rather bland 2022 offering. Good+.[/quote]
I don't drink (or see) much St Bris but always find fun to try. Actually visited Davenne this spring, where I found the 2022 Davenne dull. So our palates match, this bailly-Lapierre sounds more my thing (and available in CT).

Is Saint Bris the patron saint of mohels?

-Paul W.