Thirst quenchers.
For all the real or perceived shortcomings of Sauvingon Blanc, it works pretty well as an aperitif after a day on the beach. Two highly acclaimed examples recently were the Delaire 2009, which not only placed among the winners of the 2009 Top 10 competition but was also rated 5 Stars in the now defunct Wine magazine and The Berrio 2009, 5 Stars in Platter’s 2011.
The Delaire 2009 is looking magnificent at the moment, perfectly proportioned with lime and lemon grass aromas and flavours before a pithy finish. The Berrio 2009 is arresting, overtly green with bracing acidity.
The Delaireis a multi-regional blend consisting of 70% Olifantsrivier, 25% Stellenbosch and 5% Durbanville fruit and while just about flawless (my score: 18/20) could be described as “international” in style. The Berrio, meanwhile, is entirely from Elim – perhaps of more limited appeal than the Delaire but utterly distinctive (score: 16/20).
In my personal view the The Berrio is much much better.