The 2007 Hay Maker Sauvignon Blanc we tried alongside the 08 which is reviewed here was zingy with rich tropical flavours undercut by crisper currant and ripe gooseberry notes. Medium to heavy bodied with good mouth feel and a generous length of palate it was stunning.

Aroma: A soft aroma for sauvignon blanc; some sweaty tropical notes, blackcurrants and a floral whiff.

Taste: A light bodied wine with a smack of sweetness, some zingy acid and citrus flavour. This vintage has a brisk mineral finish that was inclined to put teeth on edge. Our suggestion if you see any of the 07 sitting on a shelf, buy it.

Price: $16.99

4 Stars & BEST BUY

An easy drinking savvy that has an excellent nose of soft, sweet juicy fruit. The palate displays mellow fruit flavours joined to subtle acidity. The finish is clean and consistent and this was a wine that improved the longer that it was open. Attractively priced too.

"This is a great wine with grapefruit and herb notes on the nose and a palate that blends tropical fruit with limey citrus. Not too sharp, not too soft, it is just right, Goldilocks. It's been picked up as a house wine by US Delta Airlines for its business class passengers and was awarded gold at the NZ Royal Easter Show. And best of all, it keeps going on and off special at my local supermarket."

Score: 17
Alcohol: 13%
Price: $17
Lemon green. Bouquet is good sound straightforward Marlborough sauvignon, a mix of capsicum colours, plus black passionfruit. Palate is fresher in acid than its siblings, with slightly raised phenolics suggesting a notch more pressing than the other two. Nett impression is full of flavour, and pleasing, but not quite as rich as the more highly-pointed two. Cellar 1 – 2 years. GK 02/08