Looking at the date of this week's column means that Spring down under is almost here. Along with Spring comes a plethora of new vintage wines and with the wines I've tasted from the vintage so far I can safely say there will be some wonderful vinous treats in store as we head towards summer.

Sauvignon Blanc has been my main focus to date but at a blind tasting of new release whites, I came across this delicious riesling. Its fresh tangy flavours and easy drinking style sent out a major 'Sue' alert.

My notes said "Delicate lemon aroma; honey, apple, pear and citrus flavours; clean and refreshing; off dry; terrific balance; excellent lingering flavours of lemon honey and honeysuckle nectar". It absolutely delighted my palate. "Fantastic!", I wrote.

I was not unduly surprised when this wine was revealed as the Sanctuary Marlborough Riesling 2002, for the Sanctuary Marlborough Riesling has been one of the staples of my summer drinking over the last few years - a. for the taste factor and b. for the price. But what was even more surprising that the price of the wine was still the same, clocking in at well under NZ$15.

I decided to experiment as to whether the wine tasted as good when well chilled to the bones and poured from the bottle that was straight out of the fridge. It passed this test with flying colours.

When chilled the texture seems more viscous with apple, honey and ginger flavours standing out. It's spicy and juicy with lots of lemon and lime and although sweet, it finishes dry and balanced.

When it is at room temperature the flavour of apples is more pronounced. It seems sweeter and a little more tropical and perhaps even a little nutty before the sweet fruit spiciness fills out the palate.

This easy drinking, varietal wine that typifies Marlborough should suit the girl next door as well as Grandma. Personally I will keep a bottle in the fridge for any occasion and of course to offer the unexpected visitor that just happens to drop by.

I looked up the notes on the Sanctuary website and was surprised to find there is 17 grams of residual sugar in the wine. It is so well balanced and easy drinking.

Sanctuary Riesling should cost about NZ$14.95, perhaps even less. A store down my road has it on 'special' for just $12.95.

Sanctuary Riesling has won gold medals for this wine since the first release in 1998. I'd like to predict another gold medal for the 2002 vintage. It already has one in my book.

© Sue Courtney