Babich Wines are celebrating their 100 years and produce a substantial amount of wines from across the land of the long white cloud. The Black Label range seems to be on-premise only and draw from regional grape heroes: Marlborough SB and Pinot Gris for the whites, Hawkes Bay Merlot/Cabernet and Merlot for the red.

Babich Wines, Black Label, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2014

Instantly recognisable as a Marlborough prizefighter. The passion fruit cream is the left jab…one quick one to snap the head back and get the defence set. Then it comes again. Jab. Faster, harder. Then a big right hand over the guard of fresh asparagus. Whilst you’re rocked, then comes the left hook of cut capsicum. Such a tried and true combination. Effective, reliable.

The palate brings more of the same effective, reliable combos, but you’re already on the receiving end, so there’s a little more razzle dazzle in the footwork: The passion fruit pulp and fleshy pineapple inner core, like the padding in a regulation 16oz glove. Whilst the acid is the zip and thrust of the middleweights’ left and right arms…sticking it right into your face.

RRP: $23??

Alc: 13%

Wine sample courtesy of Babich Wines and Domaine Wine Shippers