Whole-bunch pressed in French barriques, the 2007 Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc has a lovely nose with notes of green apple, greengage, a touch of white tipped asparagus and spice. Very good definition and lift: there is real character here. The palate is well balanced with ripe green fruit, delicate pear and beeswax notes, fanning out nicely on the finish with superb length. This is a top-class Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now-2014. Tony Bish continues to produce some outstanding examples of Hawkes Bay wine and their Helmsman stood shoulder to shoulder with an array of top Bordeaux 2005s at a blind tasting in 2009. Their entry-level Gunn Estate wine form a superb introduction to the delights of the region’s wines, in particular their Skeetfield Chardonnay.Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa, CA; www.diageo.com