Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc

(2016) Fresh and citrusy, with hints of gooseberry, but fairly straight, punchy citrus dominates. The palate has lots more juicy citrus punch, real verve and very dry, stylish everyday crisp white.

Tropical aromas of mango and orange are solid as a whole. This quaffable SB is citric and layered on the palate, with lime, orange, passion fruit and grapefruit flavors. A pithy, slightly bitter note rises up on a lively finish.

So consistent. I love what you get here for the money. Santa Rita works with several clones that when mixed offer up a simple but delicious, easy sipping style of sauvignon blanc you can enjoy with or without food. Look for fresh gooseberry and grapefruit scents with mixed with lime rind and tangy orange notes. Serve solo well chilled, or moderately cool with your favourite goat cheese and tomato salad. (Anthony Gismondi and Stuart Tobe).

This is an approachable, lightweight Sauvignon Blanc with upfront tropical fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is clean and mild, while flavors of white grapefruit and lime finish sweet and easy, alongside notes of dried pineapple and mango.

I've been following this brand and wine since 1999 and it is always a go-to value white. It has a s pleasant mix lemon lime, guava and citrus aromas. The attack is similar with grapefruit, nettle and minimum acid that will likely make it even more attractive to patio sippers. Super value in a modern, everyday sauvignon blanc. Serve well chilled on warm nights. (Anthony Gismondi).

This is always a sure bet for the price. Lemon lime grass and guava mark the nose with herbal, citrus, chalky grapefruit flavours on the palate. There is less acid this year but that will only add to its appeal at the price point. Super value for an everyday sauvignon blanc. (Anthony Gismondi).

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This sauvignon over delivers most years given its healthy production. In 2010 of touch of sweetness and a slight watery quality mark the palate of this open grassy passion fruit scented white. The style is easy-sipping and with the touch of sweetens it can easily work with spicier dishes. The fruit comes from Maule and Casablanca, it is all stainless steel fermented fruit and a crisp and a crunchy as it can be. Sushi, oysters, pasta salads take your pick they all work. (Anthony Gismondi).

Less adequate than in the past. The wine lacks aromatic zest and pungency before showing tart apple and ultimately vegetal flavors. Canned pea notes are prevalent.

Consistently well made this easy-sipping sauvignon designed for food and fun hits all the right notes again on 2009. Maule and Casablanca are home to the stainless steel fermented fruit that offers up a wealth of grassy, herbal, citrus tones with bits of green fruit in the finish. Sushi, oysters, salads - all would work with is true best value. (Anthony Gismondi).

(2010) Tank sample. Central Valley, but most of the fruit from Molina in Curico, with a granitic clay soil. All stainless steel. Nice gooseberry and gently tropical fruit with a touch of pineapple and melon, plenty of citrus. Nice juicy palate, plenty of sweet fruit and elegance.

Another fine rendition of this easy sipping sauvignon designed for food and fun. The 120 sauvignon is an 85/15 blend of sauvignon fruit from Maule and Casablanca all stainless steel fermented and finished under screwcap. It's bright fresh clean and brimming with herbal, citrus, chalky grapefruit flavours throughout. Think grilled white meats, pasta and salads or just take it to the beach. Affordable modern sauvignon blanc with style. (Anthony Gismondi).

The variety's requisite citrus and green aromas are on display, but they aren't very defined or exciting. Neither is the wet, chunky palate, which may be moderately fresh but doesn't offer much besides basic pineapple, kiwi and green melon. 270,000 cases made.

Firm but limited, with some sharpness and sweat to the nose. The wine has a round texture but not much in the way of fruit character or nuance. It tastes like grapefruit pith and green melon, with mild bitterness on the finish.