A Sauvignon Blanc from West Auckland – the company’s Waimauku vineyard has some of the oldest Sav vines in New Zealand. Also from the last of the trio of excellent vintages from 2019 to 2021. That great heritage is matched to some winemaking that delivers a style that is recognisably varietal, but uses fermentation in French oak barriques to add a layer of complexity. A pale lemon-green colour in the glass. The voluminous perfume shows grapefruit, gooseberry, capsicum and pineapple flavours, overlaid with smoky, dried herb and toasted nuts. Those flavours flow through into the palate, with some zesty acidity contrasting the depth and richness that comes from the oak. Finishes quite clean, pure and dry. 91pts
The Hunting Lodge ‘Waikoukou’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
