Marlborough produces the highest volume and has the largest number of producers for Sauvignon Blanc anywhere in New Zealand. Many different styles are showcased from the classic tropical fruit and sweet herbaceous through barrel-fermented and lees aged with more yellow stone fruit and grapefruit flavours. Other New Zealand wine regions can produce their own expressions of the same which is why we have such a wonderful choice and broad spectrum of styles through Aotearoa.
In the last of our series, New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas takes a look at excellent examples of Sauvignon Blancs over $25.
Greywacke Marlborough Wild Sauvignon 2018
Complex, flinty, mineral, wild, earthy and varietal. Aromas and flavours of peach and preserved lemon, tropical flowers and grapefruit, hay, fresh herb and fruit spice. Distinctive texture with a fine lees, medium+ acidity and mineral mouthfeel leading to flavours that reflect the bouquet. Expressive and complex, lengthy and delicious. A fascinating wine to add to your collection. Best drinking from today and through 2026.
Points 96
RRP $38.50
Distributor: Negociants
Phone: (03) 5725 425
www.greywacke.com
Greystone Wines Organic Waipara Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Fruit-centric with wild herbs and mineral undertones, aromas of fresh gooseberry and pineapple, basil and silty mineral soil suggestions. Just dry on the palate with the core of fruit driving the flavours – pineapple and apple, lemon and gooseberry. Plenty of refreshing acidity with a light salty edge. Well made, crisp, refreshing, balanced and ready. Best drinking from today and through 2026.
Points 95
RRP $28.00
Distributor: Procure Liquor
Phone (03) 314 6100
www.greystonewines.co.nz
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Pure, focused and complex bouquet with aromas of ripe white-fleshed orchard fruits, a core of citrus and minerality, herbs and fruit spices and a fine lees layer. Tense, youthful and dry on the palate with flavours of citrus and green pear, Meyer lemon and apple. Fresh herbs, lees and stony mineral flavours are persistent carried through by acidity. Complex, tense and youthful finish. An exciting example. Drink now and through 2026+.
Points 95
RRP $29.99
Distributor: Villa Maria Estate Ltd
Phone: (09) 255 0660
www.villamaria.co.nz
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Classic, pungent, fruity, herbaceous and urgent bouquet of pink grapefruit, tropical fruits, apple and fresh herbs. Equally urgent on the palate with high acidity, hay and flavours of passion fruit and pineapple, lemon, basil, white peach, white flowers and a core of stony minerality. Delicious, fresh, crunchy texture and lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2021 through 2026+.
Points 94
RRP $39.99
Distributor: Moet Hennessy
Phone (03) 520 9140
www.cloudybay.co.nz
Giesen The August Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Fantastic bouquet – complex and compelling with aromas of a gentle barrel-ferment spices and toastiness, flavours of fresh and baked apple, flowers and stone fruits. A layer of stony mineral, citrus peel and lees spice add depth and complexity. Satin mouthfeel with contrasting acidity and gentle sweet barrel flavours. Well-made and ready to enjoy from today and through 2026+.
Points 94
RRP $39.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone: (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Giesen Single Vineyard Matthews Lane Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
An excellent vintage and bottle age delivers a bouquet of toasty complexity and integration whilst holding onto the core varietal character and flavours of citrus peel and herbs, preserved peaches and sweet hay. Acidity remains vibrant carrying the flavours of orchard fruits, hay, dried herbs and minerality. Well-made and ready to enjoy from today and through 2024.
Points 93
RRP $42.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Aotea by The Seifried Family Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Attractive fruit centric bouquet with aromas of peach tea and sweet lemon, apple then sweet herbs and hay. Fresh, salivating and fleshy textures on the palate with lemon and tropical fruits, plenty of acidity and a balanced, lengthy finish. Great drinking from today and through 2025.
Points 93
RRP $29.00
Distributor: Seifried Estate
Phone: (03) 544 5599
www.seifried.co.nz
