Six of the best

High achievers from Marlborough make a strong impression.

These Marlborough wines all stood out in my recent tastings for their notable quality, value or both. The driving force at Two Rivers, founded in 2004, is David Clouston, whose family has farmed in Marlborough for five generations. Delta was acquired in 2017 by the region’s largest family-owned wine producer, Saint Clair.

Two Rivers Convergence Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Still very youthful, this vivacious wine was grown in both the Wairau and Awatere valleys, and mostly handled in tanks; a small part of the blend was fermented in concrete, egg-shaped tanks and clay amphorae. Highly aromatic, it is full-bodied, with good intensity of ripely herbaceous flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, appetising acidity and a dry finish. (13% alc/vol) $22

Delta Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Appetisingly crisp, this youthful, single-vineyard wine was grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley, and tank-fermented. Pale lemon/ lime, it has strong, lively, passionfruit and herb flavours, tightly structured, dry and lingering. (13% alc/vol) $20

Two Rivers Saint Maur Southern Valleys Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Full of personality, this striking, single-vineyard wine was harvested from mature, 20-yearold vines. Fermented with indigenous (“native”) yeasts, it was aged in a concrete egg tank and clay amphorae for up to 18 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Invitingly scented, it is mouthfilling, with concentrated, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, good acid spine, impressive complexity and a long, dry finish. Thoughtprovoking. (13.5% alc/vol) $40

Two Rivers Brookby Hill Southern Valleys Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

Already delicious, this very savoury, single-vineyard red was harvested from 20-year-old vines and aged for 12-18 months in French oak vats and barriques. Full ruby, with a highly fragrant bouquet, it is medium to fullbodied, with deep, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, gentle tannins, and excellent complexity and harmony. Drink now or cellar. (12.5% alc/vol) $55

Delta Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

Priced sharply, this elegant, singlevineyard red was grown in the Southern Valleys. Bright ruby, it is fragrant, mouthfilling and supple. Made in a “fruit-driven” style (it was not barrel-aged), it has strong, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, and a very harmonious, silky-textured finish. (13.5% alc/vol) $20 ▮