Very pale straw. The first impression is of intense flinty, minerally notes verging on gunpowder. Beingtypically aromatic, the wine opens up with air, taking on more fruity nuances, inparticular of ripe pear. The structure is defined by wonderful balance. The style is vigorous and frank, with asurprisingly rich middle palate, finishing with lively vivacity. Domaine ChristianSalmon Sancerre leaves one with an overall sensation of elegance and harmony. The bunches are lightly crushed as soon as they arrive to the winery. The must is pumped into stainless steel tanks and left to cold settle before the fermentation, which occurs naturally. The temperature of the ferment is closely monitored to avoid any possible risk of oxidation and to retain freshness and aroma. The wine is racked and a minimal addition of sulphur dioxide is made as required. The wine is rested in tank prior to bottling. Domaine Christian Salmon is looking to preserve the typical flavours and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, and no oak treatment is involved in the production. Domaine Christian Salmon is a family owned estate in the Coteaux Buetons, covering 15 hectares within the appellation of Sancerre Blanc and 3.25 hectares for Pouilly Fume. For six generations the Salmon family has been growing grapes and making wine with care, finesse and passion. The wines are in a classic, fresh and zesty style reliant on indigenous ferments, a very slow and gentle crush and extended time on lees in tank. Today Armand Salmon farms two main soil types in Sancerre: Terres blanches (clay-limestone), on the westernmost hills and Caillottes, (very stony and limestone rich). In the commune of Pouilly-sur-Loire, Domaine Christian Salmon's unique vineyard "Clos des Criots" is located in the centre of the village. The soils are marls rich in oyster fossils (Kimmeridgian) and Villiers limestone.

A great expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with plenty of tomato vine and flinty character, with a lick of passionfruit and stonefruit. Ripe and expressive, with great citrus characters. Great weight and texture.

The Chauveau family have been making wine since the 19th Century, and in the mid 1990s Benoit Chauveau gradually took over the vineyards of his grandparents and parents. Today, their property has over 17 hectres including of Pouilly Fumé, Pouilly sur Loire and Coteaux du Giennois. A new cellar was added to the estate for the 2012 harvest. Their approach is to continually strive to improve the quality of their wines through the development of sustainable methods. Located just opposite the Pouilly Fumé designation, on the other side of the Loire, the Sancerre designation is also known for the quality of its white wine, 100% Sauvignon. Benoît Chauveau Sancerre has a very pale yellow colour with greenish tints. Vivacious and bursting with fruit, dominant floral and fruity aromas. The crisp attack gives way to a rich, rounded palate for a finale full of freshness. Sancerre makes a delightful aperitif. It is also perfect with grilled fish, seafood, scallops and white meats. A great match for Crottin de Chavignol AOC goat cheeses from the Centre region.

From the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, in France's Loire Valley comes this brilliantly expressive aromatic white from Domaine Des Grosses Pierres. Great floral notes on the nose with a nicely balanced palate of minerals, quartz and lingering ripe citrus fruits. This subtle Sauv Blanc is perfect for light meals and delicate Asian cuisine.

This Christmas themed wine gift hamper features a bottle of Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand along with a milk chocolate block. Capturing the essence of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, this beautifully intense Sauvignon Blanc comes from one of the most highly awarded wineries in the country. A strikingly lively wine that has juicy acidity with flavours of melon, passionfruit and ruby grapefruit. For nearly 60 years, Villa Maria has striven to get the best out of their natural landscapes, and they have succeeded here.

A riper expression of Sauvignon here. Quince, a little smoke, fresh pineapple, honey and leaf, a fleshy glossy glide, but cut with flinty texture and pink grapefruit acidity, finish is particularly long with orchard fruit, quinine and a smattering of green herb. Excellent wine.

Sourced from St Etienne de Lisse on cooler north-facing slopes, which helped to retain freshness in this vintage. It's a focussed wine with rich stone fruits, juicy pear and peach pits. Highly enjoyable. Jane Anson Decanter 91 Points

Cloudy Bay has produced a Sauvignon Blanc of vibrant intensity. The characteristically uplifting aromas of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine, with the floral notes of orange blossom on the nose; A weighty texture of ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours balanced by a minerally-citrus acid backbone with a finish that is crisp and clean on the palate. The wine has elegant line and length; refined, fleshy yet focused and refreshing.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is often labelled as the brand that kick started the Kiwi Sav Blanc revolution. Without doubt it is seen as an international benchmark Sav Blanc noted for its vibrant aromatics, layers of pure fruit flavours and fine structure.