Aorangi Road Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $

The locals call the large boulders that litter the vineyards out west of Hastings in the Crownthorpe district, “Mangatahi Swedes” in a little jibe at their ‘Gimblett Gravels’ cousins closer to town.  This sauvignon has a soft, lemongrass and bruised basil aroma, a dusting of white pepper and a lick of lemon and lime.  On the palate it has some refreshing tropical characters and a squeak of herbaceousness, so it’s designed with a decent amount of chill in mind.  The finish is mineral-edged and decent.