From the Seaview vineyard in Awatere, Marlborough. A wine I discussed at length with the winemaker, Natalie Christensen – tasted as a barrel sample in May this year on a visit to the winery.
A pale green-lemon yellow in the glass, it positively bursts with aromatics of immense intensity. Blackcurrant, gooseberry, lemon peel, white nectarine and dried pineapple, with a lift of freesia florals. There is a green character into the sweet, ripe palate – cucumber, pea shoots, jalapeno pepper and crushed green herbs. Balancing that is a delicious ripeness – apart from a low yield, 2021 produced immaculate fruit at harvest – and a succulent acidity that carries your tastebuds along. Some more tropical notes appear – passionfruit and melon, with a nip of salinity towards the long, drying finish. Vivacious, abundant and characterful. 94pts. Just a super wine.
