The top-tier Sauvignon Blanc from Giesen Wines in Marlborough. The producer labels it as ‘Bold, Complex and Unconventional – a Mark of the man’ – it’s named after the Giesen boys’ late grandfather, August Giesen.
A clear golden-green colour. A departure from the typical Wairau Sauvignon Blanc – it is as vinous as it is sweet, and doesn’t have a bombastic leap of aromatics from the glass. Rather, a subdued and elegant perfume of white peach, apple, marzipan, preserved lemon, mandarin and passionfruit. Lead by a zesty acidity, the palate has a calm entry, with broad textural and mineral notes. Toasted seeds and pink peppercorns. A touch of green sits well mid-palate – a nod to the Marlborough expression, with pea pod, nettle and crushed herbs. Rounded, calm and drinking very well now. I see no need to cellar this one – I don’t know quite what developments would supplement what is here already. 93pts
