All wine regions in New Zealand produce Sauvignon Blanc with each displaying a core signature of place as well as varietal markers. Otago for instance has a very mineral centric bouquet with flinty stone and crushed rock before citrus and white fleshed fruits showcase the region’s style. New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas takes a look at some superb examples in the $20-$25 price range.
Akarua Pisa Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Attractive – floral and fruity bouquet with calm yet decisive aromas of sweet grapefruit and apple. Quiet yet obvious tropical fruits, sage and a fine leesy complexity. Lovely mouthfeel with textures from the fine lees and acidity, contrasted with fresh fruit flavours that reflect the nose – lemon pith and green pear, apple and tropical fruit layers. Balanced and well made, delicious today and through 2025.
Points 94
RRP $25.00
Distributor: Hancocks Wine Spirits and Beer Merchants
Phone: (03) 445 0897
www.akarua.com
Loveblock Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Distinctive, almost exotic, pure, ripe and varietal with aromas of lemons and grapefruit, white spice and wild flowers, apple and sweet herbs. Silky texture and a core of fruit give way to the youthful refreshing line of acidity, soft herb and flavours of forest flowers, mineral and spices. A delicious wine ready to enjoy from today and through 2025+
Points 94
RRP $21.99
Distributor: Hancocks Wine Spirits and Beer Merchants
Phone: (09) 365 1471
www.loveblockwine.com
Paddy Borthwick Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Very classic bouquet Sauvignon Blanc and the Borthwick style – aromas of passionfruit and apple, warm peach tea and lemon, nettles and grass. On the palate – crisp, refreshing, fruity and dry. Flavours mirror the nose accentuated with fresh acidity and fruit spices. Balanced, well made and ready to enjoy from today and through 2025.
Points 94
RRP $22.50
Distributor: Borthwick Vineyard
Phone: (027) 467 3478
www.borthwick.co.nz
Ara Single Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
A vibrant, classic and inviting bouquet with aromas of passion fruit and sweet grapefruit, crunchy red apple and lemon pith then fresh grassy herbaceousness. Classic flavours of citrus, tropical and stone fruits laced with fresh herbs and carried through the palate with sweet, fresh acidity leads to finish that is classic and delicious. Drinking well now and through 2023.
Points 93
RRP $21.99
Giesen Group Ltd
Phone: (03) 344 6270
www.giesen.co.nz
Marisco Vineyards The King’s Favour Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Fresh, bright, fruity, herbaceous and varietal with aromas and flavours of sweet peach and grapefruit pith, crunchy red apple and fresh green herbs. There’s a fine wet riverstone, greywacke granite flavour layered throughout. Crisp, refreshing and fruity with citrus, white-fleshed stone fruits and moments of tropical fruit punch and herb. What’s not to like? Best drinking from today and through 2024+
Points 93
RRP $21.99
Distributor: Lion
Phone: (09) 522 9684
www.marisco.co.nz
Luna Estate Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Distinctive bouquet of fresh apple and silty mineral soils, peach and gooseberry, sage and a fine lees autolysis. Fresh and fruity on the palate with salivating acidity and flavours that mirror the nose. Balanced, refreshing and well made. Best drinking from today and through 2024+.
Points 93
RRP $24.00
Distributor: EuroVintage Ltd
Phone: (06) 306 9360
www.lunaestate.co.nz
Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Immediate, intense, varietal, tropical and pure with aromas of tropical fruits and white- fleshed tree fruits, a whisper of lychee and a fresh stony mineral quality. On the palate – crisp, refreshing and dry with flavours of passion fruit and red apple, citrus and grapefruit pith. Bright and fresh with a core of fruit contrasted by a top line of acidity, crunchy, balanced and well made. Ready to enjoy from today and through 2022+.
Points 92
RRP $22.99
Distributor: Winery Direct
Phone: (06) 370 1000
www.matahiwi.co.nz
Look out for part three of our Sauvignon Blanc series featuring the best wines over $25
