Second batch of a range of Sauvignons I tried early in 2011 – the first lot (from New Zealand & South Africa) are here.

Château Le Payral Bergerac Sec 2008, South West France (£8.99 The Bottle Bank)
Typical smoky tinned pear of the region, and a grapey perfume too, just lacking a touch of freshness. B(-)

Pavillon de La Brie Bergerac Sec 2009, South West France (£7.10 Jascots)
Has a zesty, almost catty edge, but the main event is the juicy green grape, citrus and Grannie Smiths fruit – fresh, crisp and tasty. B+

Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Adelaide Hills, Australia (£8.49 Waitrose, Majestic, Booths, Co-op)
Reasonable lemon, lime and greengage freshness, but it’s just too simple for real class. C

The Co-operative Fairtrade Chilean Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010, Curicó, Chile (£6.75 The Co-op)
OK cooked apple flavours, but ultimately stolid and lacking freshness. 0

Viña Casa Silva Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Colchagua, Chile (£13-14 Avery’s, Wine Rack)
Good crispness & zip, with a stony minerality to balance the quite fleshy fruit, would have preferred less of the green pepper but still decent kit. B(+)

Santa Carolina Specialties Ocean Side Sauvignon Blanc 2009, San Antonio, Chile (RRP £12.99)
Plums and rhubarb, almost like a Mâcon Chardonnay, but then a slightly catty citrus edge betrays its origins. Good briny minerality too. S(-)