Sherwood Estate No.8 Wire Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $24 
There’s a lot of sauvignon blanc planted in the North Canterbury region of Waipara, but it’s good to see some producers testing the boundaries of what it’s capable of, rather than staying in the safe old stainless steel camp. Fermented with wild yeasts in old french oak then put through a partial malolactic ferment before sitting on lees for ten months – this wine has developed interesting lemongrass, dried herbs and hay-like characters. The acidity could be a touch more pronounced, but it’s a good, food-friendly wine nonetheless. I enjoyed a glass with home made mussell fritters slathered in garlic aoli – superb. www.sherwood.co.nz
