From the Awatere Valley comes this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with a twist. Using a barrel-fermented method, leads us away from the usual cold-fermented fruit-forward herbaceousness of the well-known style, and into much more textural, subtle and complex wine.
Showing very pale and light green-gold in the glass, some notes of ‘typical’ Sauvignon Blanc are present – a grassy, passionfruit and white floral lift; but with a touch of reductiveness, salinity and apricot on the nose. On the palate, it’s instantly showing very ripe tropical – melon and pineapple, with a kick of lemongrass.
A juicy citrus acidity carries it along, with a lovely balance between that and the concentrated fruit and a silken texture. Towards the end there’s oatmeal, dried herb and nougat. Long and mouthwatering finish.
91pts. A delightful, alternate style – would be an interesting wine to try on a Chardonnay fan; and one, I think, with cellaring potential.
