TOP NZ SAUVIGNON BLANC

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) - 2 $26.90 ★★★★★

2020-01-01 -

SAINT CLAIR WINEMAKERS Stewart Maclennan and Hamish Clark weren’t messing around when it came to this stunning sauvignon blanc harvested from the fertile, free-draining soils in the lower Wairau Valley in Marlborough. This singlevineyard wine is the total package – it has lift and power on the nose, aromas of blackcurrant leaf and thyme with tropical opulence and incredible citrus oozing forth. In addition, and some might consider even more importantly, it has palate weight and length to go with it. Remarkable mineral crunch and juiciness with everlasting length and vibrancy. A sauvignon to rule them all by unanimous agreement.

2 / Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $26.90

Intense heady aromas of ripe tomato leaf and capsicum with equal intensity on the palate. Succulent blackcurrant and white citrus flavours deliver remarkable salinity, texture and persistence.

3 / Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough)

★★★★★ - 3 $33.90

Knife-edge herbaceousness with seductive juicy lime, rose and whitepeach notes. This class act reflected all that and more on the palate while also providing refreshing and refined mineral elegance.

The key through the judging and tasting of these sauvignons was the depth and breadth of flavour and acknowledging how the winemaker was able to capture the power and presence of the fruit but harnessing this so the wine flowed and rippled on the palate.

4 / Black Cottage Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $18

A gorgeous example of snowpea, citrus and refined box hedge on the nose and palate. A wine with likability, drinkability and liveliness. Great poise. 5 / Saint Clair Premium Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $21.50

The more traditional and outspoken ‘look at me’ style of sauvignon blanc, but that’s definitely not a bad thing. This sauvignon doesn’t disappoint with its wow factor and generosity through the palate. A wine for drinking on the patio this summer. 6 / Delta Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $20

Showing the art of the ripe green edge – succulent, juicy and alive acidity that doesn’t disappoint with a tangy persistence on the palate. 7 / Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ★★★★ - 2 $19

A very classy wine with refined green notes and a beautiful balance on the palate between the acidity and power of the fruit. 8 / Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $25

Green tobacco, snow pea and lime on the nose, subtle with a long juicy palate length and just a touch of sweetness that brings everything into sync. Nicely balanced. 9 / Music Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough)★★★★ - 2 $16

Lovely greens, fennel, leaf and just a touch of thiol notes but overall a delicate herbaceous style with persistence and juicy citrus acidity. 10 / Tohu Mugwi Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 2 $26.95

An exceptional example with saline and herbal aromas, and a palate full of texture and chewy cut-stalk savouriness. A style crafted with plenty of subtle care but equally a fine example of a winemaker ‘playing’ with our favourite grape. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 2 $18.50

Pungent forest green, pea and mint on the nose with fleshy flavour and length. Balancing box hedge and green stalkiness with concentration and generous fruit persistence. Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $25

Vibrant intensity with classic aromas and a delicate touch of snow pea, herbal leaf and thiol. A beautifully long, elegant, balanced profile. Classically presented.

Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 4 $60

Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ★★★★ - 2 $19

Middle Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Nelson) ★★★★ - 2 $20

Mission Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 2 $20

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $15

Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $32.90

Saint Clair Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 3 $21.50

Seifried Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2019

★★★★ - 2 $18

Te Pā Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 4 $20

Vidal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $20