Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $25 The Hutchison family own certified organic vineyards in Central Otago and in Marlborough, which is where this snappy sauvignon blanc hails from. Quite different in style from your usual Marlborough sav’s, this wine has deeply complex smoke, peppery watercress and basil aromas, which lead to a … Read More
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Crowded House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24 ★★★★
Super-juicy, lemony and loaded with passionfruit and crisp peach, pepper and basil flavours; this is a refreshing, lip-smackingly crunchy example that’s simply yummy. Great length of flavour too. www.foodbox.co.nz
Ruby Bay Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24 ★★★½
I love that Nelson sauvignon blanc has its own distinct character, its so floral and flush with ripe nectarine, lemon and basil flavours. Located just 5 mins from the Mapua Wharf in the Upper Moutere overlooking Tasman Bay, Ruby Bay’s vines thrive under some serious sunshine hours. Winemaker John Jackson has crafted a slick, snappy … Read More
Churton Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $27 ★★★★½
Sauvignon blanc from Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley has its own personality, and when it’s given Sam Weaver’s organic, biodynamic treatment at Churton, you can expect something seriously special. Soft basil, lime leaf, sweet pea and elderflower all jostle for attention on the nose, while the palate has an almost creamy, tropical character which comes from the … Read More
Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $27 ★★★½
Anyone thinking central otago was simply pinot noir country clearly hasn’t had the pleasure of sipping their sauvignon. Softer in style, with basil, peach and lemongrass characters that wash across the palate with the most subtle hit of white pepper and fresh passionfruit. Softly fruited and refreshing, this little gem from Gibbston will leave a … Read More
Crafter’s Union Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $21 ★★★★½
I love the fact that on the outside the packaging is so whimsical, so extravagant, so wild, yet when you slip the bottle out, the labelling on the bottle is a simple white and silver crest. But it’s what’s inside that bottle that counts, and if you’re craving a hit of nettles, lime, passionfruit, pinprick … Read More
Soho Stella Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $25 ★★★★★
Wow! How’s this for a passionfruity punch in the face. Lemongrass, basil, and lashings of lime just tornado themselves across the palate, leaving a zingy, perfectly prickly texture in their wake. Winemaker Dave Clouston is an absolute guru when it comes to sourcing and saucing the best sauvignon blanc Marlborough has to offer – so … Read More
Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ★★★★
Softer and much creamier than most squint-inducing Marlborough sauvignon blancs, this wine has a hint of toast and watercress on the nose, marzipan and just a sneaky squeak of lemongrass, lime zest and dried herbs. It’s Marlborough sauvignon but with an edgy, slightly smoky side. Allan Scott’s son Josh heads the winemaking team and he’s … Read More
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $36 ★★★★½
This new vintage of what’s become an Antipodean icon, has all the hallmarks of becoming another stunner. I say ‘becoming’ because despite this wine already boasting punchy basil, sweet pea, passionfruit and crunchy-fresh citrus and floral characters – I personally really love drinking this wine in the height of summer, a few months on from … Read More
Greystone Waipara Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $22 (4.5stars)
100% of the sauvignon blanc juice was fermented in French oak before a smidge (10%) was put through a malolactic ferment to add a creamy, textural layer. After maturation in barrel for another months before being bottled back in December, you’d expect this sauvignon to be seriously toasty. However it’s remarkably herbaceous, floral and fresh, … Read More