Not part of the in-crowd since 2005!

Sandalford “Classic Dry White” 2009 ($18.95) ★

In a masked lineup of generally good West Australian SSB and SBS blends (although some of the 2008 wines were looking tired compared to the new season offerings), this stood out for its class, character and to me, crunch. It had everything I look for in a current drinking SSB – punchy fruit flavours, vibrant acid and outstanding length of flavour. It’s all you could ask for in terms of a refreshing summer quaffer though with its tingly spine of acidity, I suspect this could also be a good long-term prospect, a la other semillon-dominant white blends like the Lenton Brae. Oh, and did I mention the price? Offering change from a twenty, this represents obscene value too (whether you buy it as a “Classic Dry White” or “Semillon Sauvignon Blanc”). www.sandalford.com