A Marlborough wine – specifically, a single vineyard wine from the Awatere Valley Ballochdale Vineyard. Sub-regionality has become much more important in Marlborough in recent years, and at over 300 metres in height (and inland) – this is a distinctly ‘Awatere Sauvignon Blanc’ in expression. It has that ideal pale, quartzy green colour in the glass, but shines like a beacon on the nose. You can smell it across the table. Grapefruit, apple, lemon rind, chamomile, green olive and blackcurrant aromas prove persistent into the palate. Some richer almond and breadcrumb notes suggest some barrel ferment. Dry and elegant but frisky with an acidity that is tight, tart and mouth-watering. The finish comes together very clean and crisp. 93pts
Čuvar Guardian Sauvignon Blanc 2023
