Wine: Marisco 2021 The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc $21.99 

Why I chose it: 

- Tasted blind in a lineup of mostly 2022 Marlb. SB it was a standout (gold medal). 

- 2021 much better than 2022. 

- SB a great antidote for warm, muggy weather. 

What does it taste like? 

- Intense, pristine sauvignon blanc from a very favourable vintage. Bright, vibrant wine with passion fruit, capsicum, lemongrass and lime/citrus flavours. Refined wine with a crisp, dry finish. 

Why it’s a bargain: 

- Only a handful of Marlborough SB reach gold medal quality and if you buy it on special for $18 or $19 it is well below average price. 

Where can you buy it? 

- $21.99 is the RRP, but you can usually buy for a better price than that, for example: Super Liquor Golden Bay $17.99; Wine Central (Auckland) $18.99 

Food match? 

- I like it with feta cheese of young parmesan cheese on a cracker. Both cheeses have enough natural acidity to make the wine taste rich and creamy. 

Will it keep? 

- I quite like four or five year-old Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc but most people prefer it at its freshest best.