Plantagenet, Western Australia (Australia) Sauvignon Blanc ‘Omrah’ 2009

($15, Old Bridge Cellars):  Founded in 1974, Plantagenet was the first winery in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.  They are well known for their stunning Rieslings, which develop beautifully with bottle age and are among Australia’s best.  Less well-known is their second label, Omrah, which represents great value.  This Sauvignon Blanc delivers an engaging creamy smokiness, reminiscent of some Chardonnays.  But the bright flinty and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc speak plenty loud.  They’ve managed to imbue the wine with body and roundness without losing any of the vivacity or zestiness of Sauvignon Blanc.  If this is a “second” wine, I can’t wait to taste their first. 90 Michael Apstein Aug 23, 2011