Elephant Hill, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke's Bay, 2014

Hawke's Bay is better known for red, but this citrus-driven little number shows that the region can also succeed with whites. Winemaker Steve Skinner was inspired by time spent in Sancerre, and picks early to achieve a taut, lively style that is less tropical than many Sauvignon Blancs from the area. Fermented half in steel and half in old puncheons, the aromas combine oak influence with green pea varietal character. Full flavoured but not over-the-top, with an attractive lemon-peel twist.