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What to drink ... sauvignon blanc

Forget the backlash against it - this wine with tropical and citrus flavours is worth another look.

Jane Faulkner

Sauvignon Blanc has tropical and citrus flavours.
Sauvignon Blanc has tropical and citrus flavours.Jennifer Soo

UP TO $20

Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $14

Yalumba's Y Series always offers exceptional value and great-tasting, youthful wines - nothing too fancy or over-complicated, either. This 2012 sauvignon blanc is a ripper and though it has tropical fruit and citrus notes, it's not all fruit punch. The palate has fresh, lively acidity, good mouth-feel and, while quite racy, it finishes dry. The back label says partner this with King George whiting. I wouldn't argue with that suggestion, although oysters would be a great match, too. Try McCoppins Food & Wine Hawthorn East.

UP TO $25

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Out of Step Lusatia Park Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $22

Two mates, Dave Chatfield and Nathan Reeves, have collaborated outside their day jobs and created Out of Step, sourcing fruit from established vineyards in the Yarra Valley. And what a debut. It has a beautiful nose of lemon blossom, citrus and spice, with an enticing mix of pine needles and cut grass. But what makes this so appealing is the palate: racy, flinty with fantastic acidity, chalky and lemon juice-like at the same time. There's texture, with a hint of nuttiness before a dry, fresh finish. From Blackhearts & Sparrows.

UP TO $40

Bay of Fires Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $27

Bay of Fires showcases varieties that excel in the cool climes of Tasmania, from chardonnay to pinot noir. Its sauvignon blanc is delicious, too, with winemaker Peter Dredge bringing a deft touch to this wine, and the entire range. The 2012 is really flinty and fine; there are some restrained guava and fresh herbal characters but the enjoyment here is its chalky acidity, ginger spice and texture, thanks to a smidge of sweetness on the finish - although there's plenty of cleansing acidity to temper that. Perfect with chargrilled asparagus. From Dan Murphy's.

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UP TO $40

Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $35

Winemaker Larry Cherubino has a raft of special wines under this premium label plus several other brands, which celebrate the diversity of Western Australian fruit. This outstanding sauvignon blanc is from Pemberton. The 2012 is so defined, with amazing length and a minerally drive; surprisingly delicate acidity is wound around a creamy, easy palate with smoky, flinty nuances. If you think sauvignon blanc is boring, homogeneous or tutty-tropical fruity, this Cherubino wine may well restore your faith. Bravo. Try Seddon Wine Store.

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