TOP SAUVIGNON BLANC
Rapaura Springs Rohe Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough) - 3 $24.90 ★★★★★
ROHE IS THE TE REO Māori word for ‘territory’ and wines in the Rapaura Springs Rohe range proudly tell the important story of sub-regionality in Marlborough. Our top-rated sauvignon blanc comes from a vineyard in Dillons Point, where the Wairau and Ōpaoa Rivers come together near the coastline. The influence of water on this sub-region is clear, with alluvial soils rich in minerals layered with sand – prime sauvignon blanc-growing territory.
Though giving a lower yield than expected – the universal story of vintage 2021 – the warm, dry conditions resulted in what Rapaura Springs called ‘pristine’ fruit. Described by head judge Ben Glover as a superb example of sauvignon blanc, this wine has all the hallmarks of the varietal working in perfect balance. Aromas of snow peas, white blossoms, wild nettles, jalapeño and zesty lime citrus notes dance from the glass and through the nasal passages. It should be an assault on the olfactory senses, but nothing could be further from the truth with each scent playing its part like members of the symphony. On the palate there’s a counterbalance between sweet and sour characters against an energetic and vibrant background of juicy,
4 / Lawsons Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $25
Bright white flowers, pristine greens, fresh herbal notes and crunchy tropical aromas of peach and mango roll straight through from the nose into the superb palate. Zippy and fresh with a hint of Granny Smith apple bringing zest and zeal. A vibrant and energised example with a long and lingering finish.
5 / Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Awatere Valley, Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $23
Bright-green snow pea and delicate herbal aromas with a hint of citrus on the nose and through the elegant palate serve to show off the mineral aspect of the variety in this fine example. This sauvignon has a gorgeous line through the weighted palate with lush minerality and fine acidity that delivers a long, refreshing finish.
6 / Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Waihopai Valley, Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 1 $19
A relaxed nose which allows the spectrum of sauvignon blanc characteristics to come forward in their own time; stone fruit and fresh summer greens work in harmony and set up the entryway to the energised palate of ripe greens poised with lovely acid drive. A balanced and elegant wine, long and rich with a nuanced salinity for a lip-smacking finish.
7 / Church Road Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Hawke’s Bay) ★★★★★ - 1 $40
Plenty going on in this stunning Hawke’s Bay example resplendent with powerful oak which adds a subtle influence of vanilla and provides an intriguing funk without losing sight of the primary fruit of melon and guava against a lanolin-like note which give the palate texture. A beautifully balanced wine with well-integrated acid and a sublime mellow creaminess.
8 / Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Nelson) ★★★★ - 2 $23
A punchy, ripe and invigorating sauvignon blanc with rich tropical aromas on the nose and just a pinch of greens. While lively on the nose, the palate is nicely balanced and surprisingly subdued with mouthwatering saline notes, crunchy rich greens and a juicy acidity making this wine remarkably refreshing.
9 / Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 1 $19
Classic Marlborough sauvignon with vivid tomato leaf, snow pea and herbal nuances on the nose with ripe grapefruit weaving its way through the aromas which flow through to the palate alongside delicate white blossom and blackcurrant leaf. A greener style of sauvignon blanc highlighted through those green-pea characters.
10 / Rapaura Springs Rohe Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 3 $24.90
A wine with volume and flair. Abundant rich tropical fruits and subtle box hedge against ripe currant and herbal characters which abound on the nose. There’s a lot going on, yet it works perfectly. The palate is equally flamboyant, rich and weighty with passionfruit, rockmelon and plenty of fruit sweetness which deliver an impressive mouthful of sauvignon blanc.
This year’s sauvignon crop has astounded viticulturalists and winemakers alike: superbly clean, highquality fruit abundant with flavour. The only issue is, there’s not enough of it.
Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $25
A smart yet relaxed sauvignon showing a wine that has been crafted to evolve in the bottle. Bright-green aromatics reminiscent of cut grass with herbal notes and just a touch of passionfruit abound on the nose. It’s the palate here that really impresses with presence, drive and fantastic texture. Delicious saline layered against juicy acidity with white peach and a twist of basil. It adds up to a wine that is complex, tangy and layered.
Sileni Straits Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 1 $25
Intensely aromatic with zippy aromas of passionfruit, ripe tropical fruit, mango, melon and gooseberry both on the nose and through to the richly flavoured palate. That well-balanced palate is textural and shows deft lees ageing and a steely line of acidity which leads each balanced component towards a lingering and satisfying finish.
THE WINE formerly known as ‘Harriet’ Rosé, took home 5 stars in last year’s rosé judging with its 2020 vintage. This year, the 2021 vintage has not only claimed five stars once again, but also taken the crown.
Sugar Loaf Wines is the small winery that could. Kate Acland founded Sugar Loaf Wines in 2004, aged just 23, naming the winery for the islands which lie off the coast of her native Taranaki. Today, the purposebuilt winemaking facility sits in the heart of Rapaura in Marlborough and it sources grapes from throughout Marlborough.
The grapes for this 100% pinot noir rosé come from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys and are the able clone, the grape known for the strawberries and cream character that we have come to know and love in our rosés.
But this wine is so much more than just strawberries and cream, and stands out immediately with its bright, boiled red-lolly colour in the glass. It’s a pleasant jolt to the senses which doesn’t stop from first glance to the last whisper of flavour lingering at the end of what seems like an infinitely long finish. The nose is bright and fresh with crushed herbs, red summer blossoms and boiled red-lolly notes reminiscent of sweet red licorice, all of which flow beautifully into the lively and
2 / Bladen Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2021 ★★★★★ - 2 $27
Almost opaque yet pale in the glass with delicate red fruits, florals and hints of dried raspberry leaf on the nose. Not a showy wine, but a quiet achiever. Remarkably well-handled fruit ensures a great balance between fruit sweetness and mouthquenching acidity, expertly wound into smart tannins which provide texture and longevity. A beautiful example.
3 / Awatere River Spindrift Rosé 2021 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $34
A bright crushed-watermelon colour to the eye with aromas of lush, ripe summer fruits and florals on the nose. These flow through to a relaxed, understated and balanced yet somehow energetic palate with flavours of cherries and raspberries. A complex rosé with a very smart texture and lasting mouthfeel.
4 / Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2021 ★★★★★ - 3 $25
A cracking nose that immediately draws you into the glass teeming with vibrant summer berries, watermelon seed, lifted blackcurrant and just a hint of leafiness. A dominant, fresh and vibrant summer rosé with great poise and balance that makes this wine dangerously drinkable.