You’ve heard the saying “You do the Mahi, you get the treats”, it’s totally true with wine too. Meaning ‘work’ in Maori, Mahi’s winemaker Brian Bicknell and his team battled through two cyclones during the season, yet succeeded in crafting this passionfruit, lemongrass and sweetpea-soaked stunner. A tiny 7% splash of barrel ferment adds complexity … Read More
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Wild River North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $13.99 (4 stars)
2017 was a tricky vintage for Cantabrian wine producers, but Catherine Keith and Tony Rutherford made a cracking go of it to turn out tangy, lemony, passionfruity sauvignon blanc that will keep the crowds happy at that Spring wedding or for those family fish and chip Friday nights. www.centrecity.co.nz
Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $21.99 (4 stars)
The team at Richmond Plains produced New Zealand’s first vegan-friendly sauvignon blanc from fully-certified organic and biodynamic grapes years ago, and this new vintage could be their best one yet. Lemongrassy, lighty-structured and showing leafy, herbaceous notes alongside a hint of feijoa that stitches it all together. It’s a ripe, bouncy, citrus-stacked sauvignon blanc that … Read More
Ara Resolute Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22.99 (5 stars)
Oh wow! This is the kind of sauvignon blanc that gives me goosebumps. Absolutely heaving with herbaceous, lemongrassy lusciousness, passionfruit and sweaty, grassy goodness. Ripe, rich and rocking the lemonade and lime notes in every sip. Sourced from fruit grown in the confluence of the Wairau and Waihopai Rivers in Marlborough, it’s lifted and lovely … Read More
Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $20 (4 stars)
Steady yourself for a tsunami of citrus, punchy passionfruit, luscious lemonade and a long, long, long (did I say long?) flavoursome finish. Crafted by the good folk at Pegasus Bay wines, this is a lovely example of the North Canterbury style. Yummo! www.pegasusbay.com
Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $35
If someone held a gun to your head and demanded you name one of New Zealand’s most highly awarded sauvignon blanc’s or it’s curtains – then best you whip out Wairau Reserve. The current release is a cracker. Lemongrass, passionfruit, zesty citrus, sugarsnap pea, white pepper and capsicum characters lead to a luscious, lime-induced glass … Read More
Brightwater Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $20.00
Nelson might be claiming fame as the ‘aromatics capital’ of the country, but Garry and Valley Neale at Brightwater are determined their sauvignon blanc isn’t ignored. They don’t need to worry. I love the bright, lemony and floral flavours that leap from the glass and there’s classic elderflower and passionfruit for Africa. Tangy, generous and … Read More
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.95
How pretty is this label? Almost as pretty as the gorgeous, organically produced, passionfruit fest inside the bottle I reckon. Incredibly tropical and herbaceous, this sauvignon is super sexy and erupts with pea pod, rubbed basil, lemonade and lime curd notes all over the place. Ant Moore is serious talent when it comes to winemaking … Read More
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $27.50
Alistair Gardner and Karla Falloon have crafted a classic, old school-styled sauvignon here from their deep, gravelly vineyard located in the rain shadow of the Rimutaka Range. I love the hints of sweetpea, fresh asparagus, elderflower, passionfruit, lime and preserved lemon on the nose and palate. It’s whole-bunch pressed instead of being traditional crushed, to … Read More
Soho Stella Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $25.00
Super zingy herbaceous and nettle-like notes pierce the nose and the mouth bursts with ripe passionfruit, lime and lingering, gum-tingling acidity. It’s a real ‘Ooh Aah’ style of sauvignon that’ll perk up even the most jaded palate. Made by Dave Clouston from vineyards in the upper Wairau Valley, it’s a crunchy, crisp style that roars … Read More