Few places seem to posses the divinely ordained right to produce Bordeaux’s other iconic export, Sauternes, quite like Clos Haut-Peyaguey. Across 12 hectares of plateau-topping Premier Cru Classé vineyard, Semillon (and a smidge of Sauvignon) grapes patiently wait out summer for the noble rot to set in. We’re talking about botrytis, of course. Once it does, the sweetest grapes are handpicked for vinification before being sent for a French oak siesta. The result is one of the world’s most revered sweet white wines. Unctuous and syrypy; floral and fruity; jammy and spicy: trés magnifique!

MISHA'S VINEYARD The Starlet Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago Mishas Vineyard is located on a spectacular site in New Zealand on the edge of Lake Dunstan in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago. The sun-drenched, north-west facing terraces of the 57 hectare estate provide optimal conditions for producing world-class Pinot Gris. A no compromise philosophy requires exacting viticulture regimes, hand-picking, and considerate winemaking methodologies. The fruit for this wine is hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. The free run and early press portion (70%) is handled anaerobically settled, racked, inoculated and then cool fermented in stainless steel without air contact. The remaining juice portion is handled more oxidatively and spends time in older French oak barrels where it goes through a spontaneous ferment. Blending the two components contributes complexity to both the flavour and texture of the finished wine, which typically shows exotically fragrant aromas of elderflower, lime and passionfruit and a rounded palate with tropical fruits and pineapple notes balanced by fresh citrus acidity.

Shaw & Smith is a benchmark Sauvignon Blanc. This release shows ripe tropical characters with restrained grassy notes and crisp dry acidity. Delightfully fresh lively and flavoursome. Always a classic and always quick to disappear off the shelves.

CLOS DES LUNES Lune d'Argent Grand Vin Blanc Sec, Bordeaux

A fresh lively Bordeaux blanc produced from Sauvignon and Semillon, the first vintage of Chateau Cos dEstournel Blanc was made 2005. The grapes are grown north of St. Estèphe, in the Jau-Dignac and Loirac regions. The terroir is a mix of sand, clay, small stones and limestone. The wine is fermented and aged in mostly one-year-old barrels to maintain maximum freshness. Made in small volumes.