SIMPLE IS BEST
Nick explains that their philosophy with this wine is to choose the very best sites to reflect the characters of the Wairau Valley and to preserve the integrity of the fruit with careful and respectful winemaking. He is being typically modest as to truly pull off the ‘simple is best’ technique you need to be masterful with your viticulture, your winery techniques and above all be very skilled at blending the components in perfect proportions. Bravo team Villa, you have delivered yet another beautiful sauvignon blanc.
This very generous wine exemplifies the punch and vibrancy of New Zealand sauvignon at its best. Fragrances of ripe passionfruit and snow peas are balanced with flavours of ripe citrus and stone fruits. The texture and weight of the palate is very classy with the finish framed with a blend of salinity and fresh acidity.
2 / Vidal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 ★★★★★ -2 $19
A wine with exuberant ripe passionfruit aromas and lively pink grapefruit tones. The palate is rich and well textured with an exemplary balance of ripe herbal characters and a crisp red-apple freshness.
3 / Squawking Magpie Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -2 $19.95
Delicious aromas of snow peas and citrus blossom announce this wine. The mid-palate is generous, yet the wine retains freshness with a wellmanaged zesty and flinty structure that nicely complete the package.
4 / Lawsons Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -3 $20
Rich herbal and soft citrus aromas lead to a ripe summer fruit basket over flinty stones that is generous and warm-fruited with great length.
5 / Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -2 $26
An elegant style that keeps delivering. Focused and tight, the wine has benefited from bottle age. Layers of fragrant citrus florals and bright citrus are crisp and refreshing.
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -2 $17.95
A wonderful balance of fresh and juicy aromatics. The palate is packed with ripe tropical notes that are juxtaposed by the soft green herbals leading to a spicy and lively finish.
Wet Jacket Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Central Otago) ★★★★★ -3 $25
A crisp and refreshing style with fine herbal lines. The ripe citrus characters are balanced with an integrated toastiness to the mid palate. The final package has areal charm with both presence and poise.
Lake Chalice Platinum Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $25
A lovely wine with attractive citrus florals and stone fruit notes that provide focus and linearity. The tropical flavours are soft yet the structure is both taut and fresh.
Sileni Estates Estate Selection ‘Straits’ Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -3 $25
A well-structured wine with ripe stone fruits, grapefruit and lifted orange zest. The palate has spice and texture with just a hint of sweetness.
Alpha Domus Collection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
★★★★ -3 $18.95
Anna’s Way Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $19
It is vitally important that we respect its brief and exciting history and to genuinely value this jewel in our national wine cellar. This tasting demonstrates how very special these wines can be when made with skill and devotion. JOHN BELSHAM
Blind River Teku Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -3 $30
Brancott Estate Letter Series B Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $25
Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $24
Craggy Range Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
★★★★ -3 $24.95
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Wellington) ★★★★ -3 $25.95
Delta Hatters Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $27
Forrest Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -3 $22
Lake Chalice The Raptor Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $23
Marlborough Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $20
Mission Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $16
Paroa Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Northland) ★★★★ -2 $29
Rossendale Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $14
Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $17
Spy Valley Sustainably Crafted Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $20
Te Pā Oke Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $24.95
Te Pā Oke Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -3 $24.95
The Sisters Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $17
Tohu Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $17.95
Tupari Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $29
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)
★★★★ -2 $18
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $20