Welcome to the first in a special three-part series showcasing spectacular examples of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Twenty-twenty was an excellent year for Sauvignon Blanc, with an increase in plantings, crush, fruit quality, ripeness and flavour. Nearly all of the early-release wines tasted have punched above their weight (some well above) in terms of concentration, purity, balance and complexity.
Giesen Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Aromas of roasted citrus and sweet herbs, mineral and peach tea, flowers and fragrant spices. Satin textures with contrasting acidity and a core of fruit flavours that reflect the nose. Lengthy finish with a mix of spices and fruits, preserved lemon and whispers of tropical fruit. Excellent drinking today and through 2025.
Points 94
RRP $19.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Hunter’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Vibrant, distinctive and pungent bouquet with aromas of sweet grapefruit, apple, pith and sweet hay. There’s a mix of fresh herbs with tropical fruits and a stony mineral-water scent. Delicious on the palate with flavours of passion-fruit and pineapple, pacific rose apple flesh and lemon. Fresh herbs and mineral flavours are persistent as is the acidity and saline effect. As always extremely well made with a long finish. What’s not to like?
Points 94
RRP $19.90
Distributor: EuroVintage
Phone: (03) 3146869
www.hunters.co.nz
Giesen Uncharted Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
A calm satin textured bouquet leading to ripe citrus, soft sage and basil herb qualities, mineral, lees and youthful varietal appeal. On the palate – tense, vibrant, fresh and youthful with a core of fresh white peach, lemon, sage and mineral flavours. The firm youthful texture with acidity and fruit spice, lees and moderate alcohol dovetail nicely into a lengthy, balanced and true Sauvignon Blanc finish. Great drinking today and through 2024+
Points 93
RRP $19.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone: (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Marisco Vineyards Leefield Station Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Juicy, fleshy, very fruity and inviting bouquet of apple and lemon, fresh herbs, mango and blossom. Equally fruity on the palate with more herbaceous flavours for contrast. Refreshing crunchy texture with acidity and mineral flavours driving the core. Balanced and well made, ready to drink from today and through 2024.
Points 93
RRP $19.99
Distributor: Lion
Phone: (09) 522 9684
www.marisco.co.nz
Stoneleigh Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Intense, crisp, fruity and vibrant bouquet – varietal with aromas of fresh herbs and tropical fruits, sweet basil and white peach, pineapple, apple and lemon. On the palate – salivating and fruit-centric with flavours that reflect the nose, the core of fruit carries the wine, spicy and herbaceous, tropical and lengthy. A well-made wine ready to enjoy from today and through 2023+.
Points 93
RRP $19.99
Distributor: Pernod Ricard New Zealand
Phone: (09) 336 8300
www.stoneleigh.com
Old Coach Road Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Varietal, fruity, herbaceous and fresh fruited bouquet. Flavours of pineapple and grapefruit, apple and sweet white peach. Crisp and refreshing on the palate carrying flavours of citrus and tropical fruits, angelica and sage herbs flavours. Balanced and well made, ready to drink from today and through summer 2022.
Points 91
RRP $14.00
Distributor: Seifried Estate
Phone: (03) 544 5599
www.seifried.co.nz
Giesen Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Ripe, fruity and varietal with a classic bouquet of passion fruit and mango, apple, lemon and fresh herbs. Crunchy refreshing textures on the palate with vibrant flavours of citrus and white peach, lemon and tropical fruits laced with fresh herbs and a touch of grass. Drinking well now and through 2022.
Points 91
RRP $14.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone: (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Look out for part two of our Sauvignon Blanc series featuring wines $20-$25.
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