Four very different Sauvignons, all with something to say for themselves

Sancerre Chêne Saint Louis 2012, Loire, France (£11.99 Spar)
I like the herb, citrus and ripe green apple flavours and the touch of gunflint, but just about visible in the background is that slightly dirty/dusty tang of grey rot. But still an OK drink. B(-)

The Society’s Exhibition Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand (£10.50 The Wine Society)
Quite a fleshy, gutsy style, a fruit cocktail in a glass – blackcurrant leaf, gooseberry bush, passionfruit, citrus and greengage – but still with freshness to hone the finish. S-

Hunter’s Kaho Roa Winemaker’s Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand (£14.95 Jeroboams)
Starting to develop that peculiar canned vegetable edge alongside the notes of smoky tinned pear (it’s been aged in oak) and grassy asparagus, I quite like it, but not enough to really jump up and down. B(+)

Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£21.99 New Zealand House of Wine, Lancaster Wine Company, Bacchanalia, Whalley Wine Shop, Roberts & Speight, Hailsham Cellars, vintagemarque.com)
Quite a developed style, showing an almost-Riesling-like petrolly character alongside the more conventional Sauvignon characters of herbal greengage and citrus. The oak aging and dollop of Semillon add richness, toastiness and a pithy tang, resulting in an impressive and complex wine – Sauvignon for Chardonnay fans. S(+)