Whenever Brightwater release a ‘Lord Rutherford’ you know it’s something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines through each season, while winemaker Tom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and into this bottle. With its smoked passionfruit, soft herbs, citrus and marzipan notes, this is Sauvignon but not as we know it. Sip … Read More
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O:Tu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17 ★★★★
Wow! If you’re partial to green, green and more greeny goodness in your sauvignon blanc, then this may be just the wheel-spinner you’re looking for. Scented with intense jalapeno, basil and blackcurrant leaf and tomato stalk notes, followed by a smash of passionfruit and lime. Great value, crisp and crunchy. www.winebox.co.nz
Tohu Mugwi Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $25 ★★★½
Prepare to have your perceptions of sauvignon blanc altered immediately! With intense aromas of watercress, freshly-baled pea hay and smoked jalapenos, this is a seriously funky, complex style style that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Named in honour of Mugwi MacDonald, the late treasured Kaumatua of Maori-owned and operated Tohu Wines, it’s a wine crafted … Read More
Staete Landt Annabel Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $22 ★★★★½
This is absolutely my kind of sauvignon, something that pushes the envelope just a smidge, away from the capsicum and cats pee and into a spectrum of lemongrass, basil, marzipan and intense white peach and pepper characters. Winemaker Ruud Maasdam has created a wine with real tension and tautness – and having a couple of … Read More
Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $25 ★★★★½
Loveblock is a small organic vineyard project housed at the end of Ugbrooke Road in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley that has been all-consuming for Kim and Erica Crawford for the last few years. A radical departure from commercial sauvignon, this has sweet lemongrass, basil and riverbank flowers on the nose followed by a juicy, multi-layered palate … Read More
Jules Taylor Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $33★★★★
The unmistakeable aroma hit of passionfruit curd, candied lemon zest and dried mango carries completely across a palate saturated with honey, toffee and tangy, limedrop lollies. Sauvignon blanc done sweetly is an absolute treat and Jules Taylor is an expert at getting it fresh, vibrant and loaded with vavoom. Stunning stuff with slivers of hard, … Read More
Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $28 ★★★★
One of the things I love about sauvignon blanc, is that it’s so brazen about showing where its from right from that first sniff and sip. Central Otago sauvignon blanc has a really distinct, soft, nettle and elderflower note on the nose and fresh white pepper, peach and lemon pith flavours on the palate. There’s … Read More
Whitehaven ‘Greg’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $26.99 ★★★★
You don’t just scoop a gold medal at the Sydney Top 100 Wine Competition for no reason. You’ve got to me a wine with serious chops. Created in tribute to Whitehaven’s founder Greg White, this has all the classic Awatere Valley notes of soft summer flowers, tangy passionfruit, crushed nettles and elderflower. Crisp, crunchy and … Read More
Black Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $15 ★★★★½
This is a sauvignon for fans of super-lemony, herbaceous, passionfruit-packed styles. Dave Clouston is the winemaker and he’s a serious talent when it comes to turning out tangy, tropical tastiness in a bottle. www.blackcottagewines.co.nz
Fairmont Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $15 ★★★½
John McNab grows grapes on Martinborough’s Gladstone Terraces. Grapes which produce softly textured, clean, tropical, tangy sauvignon like this. If you prefer softer acidity and less of the cats-pee and gooseberry – then this is definitely for you. The cruchy white peach, lifted florals and juicy, lemony finish make it sing with seafood. www.fairmontestate.co.nz