Cour-Cheverny Le Petit Chambord 2010, Loire, France (£8.95 The Wine Society)
Has the lightly nutty ripe apple note of Chenin Blanc, but there’s also a more herby character – fennel – along with something that reminds me (in a good way) of singed hair. Manages to be rich and almost creamy yet still crisp – nice wine, and a snip at this price. S-

Etoile de Nuit Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Vin de France (£7.50 Asda)
I don’t mind the citrussy character and herby freshness, but there’s also a rather more stolid character that is less appealing. Am please to report they’ve already moved on to 2012 vintage. C(-)

The Exquisite Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Bordeaux, France (£4.99 Aldi)
Not the most complex of wines, but this is a decent enough wine, combining zesty lemon and lime flavours with a richer rounder pear (fresh and tinned) character. C+

Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand (£12.49 Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Majestic, drinksdirect.co.uk)
Starts off in rich style, with gooseberries (fresh and pie), citrus and asparagus to the fore. Then as it opens up in the glass, more subtle herb and river pebble mineral notes emerge. S(-)

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand (£17-£20 widely available)
Even more backward than Stich, but with time, lime and crisp green apple flavours slink out of the glass, backed up by briny notes and mineral restraint. Classy wine, on the less showy side of Sauvignon. S

Finest Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£9.99 Tesco)
Quite pungent aromas, with light green pepper and grass notes, lemon and Grannie Smiths apple notes and a nutty mineral character too. You think it’s going to be a bit restrained and surly, but it’s actually quite rich and powerful, although always with zesty freshness behind. S-

Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Western Cape, South Africa (£9.99 Morrisons)
A rather stolid style, OK citrus jelly flavours, but lacks crispness. 0