A very pale golden straw colour in the glass, with a definite green edging. Huge aromatics, with that definitive Marlborough perfume, but with a twist. Lots of green notes, but here we’re getting sorrel, fennel, tomato stalk, pine nut and pumpkin as well some sweaty funk on the nose. The classic passionfruit, jalapeno and gooseberry comes through on the palate, carried on a lick of briney acidity. So bright, fresh and focussed, with a concentration and fruit purity that is weighty and shows good depth. A great food-matching wine, but also just a lovely 5 o’clock aperitif. 93pts
Villa Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022
