New Zealand Wine

Vinous

Winemaker Description 

In appearance, it’s a pale yellow, straw color. On the nose there are ripe Sauvignon Blanc aromatics with notes of white stone fruit, passion fruit pulp and kaffir lime. The palate is lively with deep concentration and a salinic acidity.

This wine will pair well with aperitifs, seafood and poultry. Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews 

MaryAnn Worobiec writes:  Fresh and precise, with lime, mango and passion fruit notes that are accented by crunchy sea salt, litsea oil, dried chamomile and fresh lemon zest on a mouthwatering, fleshy frame.  - :  Family-owned winery Craggy Range has an excellent reputation, and its entry-level Sauvignon Blanc shows a lovely purity and balance. The Martinborough region, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, is a minor player size wise compared to the juggernaut that is Marlborough, but its wines are often more restrained in style. This elegant expression shows a lovely purity of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf and lime fruit, with added weight from partial, short ageing in French oak.  - Decanter 90

Rebecca Gibb MW writes:  The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road probably won't be one for the history books. Modest in concentration and a little fleeting after what was a difficult season, it’s nonetheless attractive, clean and restrained. The 2023 is a less fragrant expression, with modest intensity of apple and pineapple, peach and citrus. Enjoy its dry, acid-driven tension in youth.  - Vinous

Winemaker Description

Pale straw color with green highlights. Powerful gooseberry, white currant, red capsicum, passionfruit and lime peel aromas. Medium-bodied, with strong flavors of makrut lime, passionfruit, lemongrass and a refreshingly smooth, dry and persistent finish.

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Spectator |  This stunning version is fresh and vibrant yet also complex and full of flavor, from toasted green tea and lemon thyme to mouthwatering passion fruit, yuzu and mango. Ends with hints of white pepper, lemon blossoms and sea salt on the long, expressive finish.

Winemaker Description

A serious, concentrated and expressive wine, Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc flaunts a powerful bouquet of fresh herbs, tropical fruits and bright citrus.

Ripe stone fruit flavors and a distinct minerality hold up well to rich, spicy foods. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

Decanter 95 Points | Lovely purity of fruit with a core of plush, ripe fruits, citrus, apple and some light tropical fruit with savoury Oceanside nuances. Mineral and crunchy.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A mouthwatering mix of lime, ruby grapefruit and fresh lemongrass flavors mark this version, with hints of thyme and sea salt popping on the long finish.

Zesty and aromatic, Marlborough Sauvignons Blancs are fantastic with crisp and tangy flavors.

Delightful with a Meyer lemon risotto, seared tuna tacos with pickled red onions or a goat cheese quiche.

Estate grown and sustainably farmed. Fermentation vessels are predominantly stainless steel, with a very small percentage in French Oak, to contribute a layer of texture. Fermentation takes place at approximately 15 degrees Celsius and lasts approximately 3 weeks. Skin contact is avoided and the wine rests on lees for approximately 6 weeks. Lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | Here’s a bright and lively New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that stands out from the crowd in flavorful fashion. An enticing mélange of citrus, peach and passion fruit jumps from the glass with energetic intensity and mouthwatering vibrancy. Perfectly balanced and thirst quenching, with cleansing acidity on the highly refreshing finish that makes this a delicious match to easy food pairings. Especially good with spicy cuisine and seafood dishes.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points Decanter  | Quince and melon with restrained citrus notes and flinty tones. Lovely intensity with lifting oak and a sprinkle of stone fruit. Lovely intensity on the palate. The fruit shows a nice concentration with a supple texture. Very classic in style with great typicity. Juicy acidity with a long finish.

Winemaker Description

Classically Marlborough, Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc is balanced, crisp, and lively, perfectly capturing the aromatic characters of Marlborough’s two exceptional sub-regions.

Distinct and punchy with layered aromas of guava, gooseberry, and citrus peel, underpinned with delicate floral and herbaceous notes. A concentrated palate of tropical fruits and minerality with an elegant and energetic finish.

Expert Reviews

90 Points James Suckling | Aromatic aromas of fresh tropical fruit, stone fruit, pine cone and fresh mint. Medium-bodied with some savory, herbal undertones. Tropical, fun and easy.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Fresh and crisp, with green apple, lemon and white grapefruit flavors on a sleek, mouthwatering frame, backed by plenty of clipped herbs and lemongrass. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Brancott Sauvignon Blanc is predominantly a pale straw color with greens. This vibrant wine is a pale straw colour with green highlights. The zesty aromas jump from the glass, with highlights of pink grapefruit, melon and gooseberry.

On the palate, flavors of grapefruit, honeydew melon, and passionfruit contribute to the ripe fruit sweetness combined with a tight, fresh acidity. This is a beautifully balanced wine.

Winemaker Description

This wine delivers aromatics of nectarine, lime, florals and hints of toasted spice. The palate is concentrated and precise, with citrus, black currant, fresh herbs and grilled pineapple flavours. This wine possesses crisp. refreshing acidity and a touch of chalky minerality.

A great match with all seafood, particularly shellfish. The crisp flavours work well with fresh summer salads or soft goat cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review

92  Points James Suckling | A solid sauvignon blanc with dried apple, lemon and flint. It’s medium- to full-bodied with excellent texture and a layered finish. Phenolics give this focus. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Winemaker Description

Showing vivacity, concentration and brightness, the Estate wines are crafted from both our glacial stones and windblown clay terroirs. Combining the best nuances of Marlborough and our Sancerre heritage, this organic Sauvignon Blanc is our flagship wine from the Clos Henri estate in Blenheim. 

Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc (formerly known as Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc) offers notes of peach and nectarine are paired with elderflower and soft gunflint minerality. Textural, with zingy acidity and a flinty, mineral nuance this wine is both fresh and concentrated.

Enjoy on its own as an aperitif or with fresh shellfish as well as with ceviche, Thai green curry, tomato and goat’s cheese tart. 

Expert Review

Cam Douglas 94 Points | Elegant, sophisticated, ripe, varietal and inviting bouquet. Aromas and flavours of citrus fruits and white stone fruit, some pear, apple and pith. The herbaceous character expected of SB is a quieter more refined layer in this example. The minerality is a core component of both the aromas and flavour package. Light-weight, crisp, dry and refreshing with a long finish. Balanced, well made and youthful. This wine will reward from today and through 2029+ if cellared properly. (2023). 

Pale straw with a hint of green and gold. Complex and elegant Sauvignon Blanc bouquet, with citrus blossom and wild flowers, surrounded by crushed ripe herbs and pineapple. Dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach complemented by hints of ripe herbs and florals. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture, this wine has a long, complex finish with plenty of minerality, citrus, ripe stone fruit and an umami quality.

A good match for oysters, seafood, spaghetti alle vongole and chicken. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

The ruby color in the glass suggests juicy summer red fruits on the palate, intermingled with flavors of freshly roasted coffee beans and dark cocoa. Silky soft tannins and a hint of dried herbs linger on the finish.

Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile and will go well with roast chicken, duck confit, smoked salmon or simply with mature cheddar cheese. 

Expert Rating

James Suckling 90 Points | A bright and succulent pinot noir with aromas of cranberries, raspberries, sliced mushrooms, pink peppercorns and spice. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a tasty, crisp finish. Sustainable.

Winemaker Description 

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is almost always what people have in mind when this classic grape gets lauded or derided. For the LWLs of the world (Ladies Who Lunch), this is the beverage of choice. Those who love it, LOVE it and the haters hate it for the same reasons. Anthony ‘Ant’ Moore’s Sauvignon Blanc is like an olive branch to both sides. Originally an Aussie, he moved to Marlborough on the South Island in the early 2000s and was hooked. He uses a French approach (old oak barrels and extended lees aging) to balance that searing acidity typical of NZ Sauvignon Blanc and curb some of the typical ‘greenness’. The result is a veritable fruit basket of tropical proportions. Kiwi, pineapple, spearmint, and crunchy apple. Pair with any sunny moment or crunchy salad.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Vibrant, juicy and wonderfully intense, showing off fleshy notes of passion fruit, mango and citrus, with mouthwatering acidity and a touch of saline and lemongrass on the finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Generous tropical fruits pair with white flowers and citrus on the nose. Ripe peach and mango aromas play with more exotic fruits like passion fruit and Fuji apple. In the mouth, key lime flavors hang on a medium full body, which contrasts beautifully with the firm acidity and slightly mineral tone on the finish.

Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters or a spicy Asian stir-fry, especially one with lots of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro and basil. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

91 Points Wine Spectator | Features fresh green apple, passion fruit and Key lime flavors that leap out of the glass, with notes of lemongrass, tangerine and peppery white flowers on the finish. (2023).

James Suckling writes:  Fruity nose of passion fruit, sweet basil and guava. Crisp and simple with a tropical finish. Slight off-dry feel. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling

Winemaker Description

Pure and vibrant with layers of passionfruit, tropical fruit and ripe citrus. Juicy fruit flavors and soft acidity combine to deliver a mouth-watering finish. Capturing all the trademark sub-regional flavors of Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc is sure to impress.

Expert Ratings

90 Points Wine Spectator | Shows tropical notes of guava and passion fruit that mingle with plump, juicy flavors of apple, citrus and peach, with details of fresh herbs and honeycomb on the finish. Drink now. 21,000 cases imported.

89 Points James Suckling | A fruity and tropical white with aromas of cut grass, melon, passion fruit and white grapefruit. Medium-bodied, fleshy and fruity with a slight off-dry feel.

Winemaker Description

Brightly colored with notes of fresh grapefruit, grass and kiwi and a long, nicely acidic finish.

Goose Bay’s approach to winemaking is rather simple. Goose Bay’s winemakers also don’t believe in building a winery business by constantly talking about how great they are. They are in the business because they love the life… the viticulture, the winemaking, the marketing and the people they work with and meet.

Kosher for Passover. Mevushal. 

Winemaker Description 

A classic Felton Road nose of dark blossoms: rose and violet with a compote of dark fruits. The mid-palate is just screaming Felton Road. Black cherries and cream on the nose introduced cherry crumble on the palate with baked spices. Very harmonious for a wine so young, but a brooding undertow reveals the intrinsic power of the wine. Four Bannockburn vineyards seamlessly integrating to provide many layers and textures.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 93 Points | Very attractive hibiscus with sliced strawberries and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a fresh and clean wine. Tangy and succulent fruit. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (2021). 

Jancis Robinson 16.5/20 Points |  Earthy and interesting on the nose. Already open and sweet but with good structure. Great for current drinking, with real interest and freshness. At the moment I prefer this to Block 3. (2021). 

Vinous 91 Points |  The 2021 Pinot Noir Bannockburn offers fine tension and sinew. I rather like it for being understated and having a corset of acidity and tannic tension around it. Sour red cherry, damson, wild herbs, a twist of nutmeg and it's all rather pleasing. Long, scented and excellent value with praiseworthy tannin quality. (2021). 

Decanter 92 Points | A hint of smokiness and toast appears first, still with the echo of slight reduction. The fine web of tannins on the palate holds oak as well as surprisingly dark fruit. Very juicy, fruity and bold, this is Felton Road's estate Pinot Noir, with just 25% new oak. Drinking 2022 - 2032  (2021). 

Winemaker Description

This is a delicious Pinot Noir, with fleshy black plum, layers of cherry and sweet berries that play on the palate and dance with hints of violet and savory notes. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. Grown with love, made with care.

Expert Rating

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents pretty clove, nutmeg and cardamom details that are a lovely complement to the sleek maraschino cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors at the core. A touch of malty Assam tea lingers on the finish, adding a firm note. Drink now through 2035. (2021).

Winemaker Description

Each parcel of fruit was fermented separately at a cool temperature, settled over night, and racked clean. Approximately 8% of the must was barrel fermented in French oak. Given the cool season, specific yeasts were selected to accentuate the melon and passionfruit characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc. 

Expert Review

90 Points  James Suckling | Perfumed aromas of tarragon, passion fruit, mango and grated nutmeg. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a saline mineral character. Soft finish. Drink now. Screw cap. 

Hunky Dory Sauvignon Blanc is succulent, offering tropical fruit notes packed with fresh gooseberry and lime flavors. This wine has a full-flavored lingering finish and is designed to meet expectations of a true Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points Best Buy Top Value Brands 2024 # 78 |  Leaning on the green veg side of the fence, this is a bombastic-yet-harmonious combo of freshly sliced green bell pepper, string bean, seashell, lime granita and passion fruit aromas. Theres lively acidity and some lovely texture to boot.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Pear, lemon and yuzu flavors are precise and fresh in this white, with plenty of focus to its accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers hints of toasted green tea and dried ginger on the crisp finish. Drink now. 35,000 cases made, 13,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

Meaning ‘offspring’ in Maori, MOMO sprung from Seresin Estate in Marlborough.  Now grown up with its own identity and personality, MOMO is youthful, urbane and well travelled, with an easy charm.  Seriously stylish, MOMO loves good food and great conversation.  Above all, MOMO is about enjoyment – the simple pleasure of good wine.MOMO selects organically grown grapes from a small number of growers and uses minimal winemaking intervention to present wines with honest varietal character and quality. All wines are Vegan friendly as well.

A refined, yet wholly classic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Gently aromatic with tropical fruits including passion fruit and dried herbs complementing citrus notes. The palate is focused, vibrant and balanced, finishing with a persistent, mouthwatering acidity. 100% organically grown Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

4/5 Stars Points

From Seresin, the 2023 vintage (4 stars) of this organically certified wine is highly attractive. Light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with fresh, well-ripened flavours of peaches and pineapples, crisp and generous. Drinking well in its youth, it is a vigorous, finely poised, dry wine (0.8 grams/ litre of residual sugar), offering good drinking.

– Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide NZ

Winemaker Description 

An elegant expression of the Marlborough region, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc showcases vibrant tropical notes underpinned by a crisp, herbaceous edge. Bright character meets balanced structure, with intense flavors of passionfruit, lemongrass, and white peach, leading to a long, clean finish.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | Here is a perfect example of just how good Chardonnay can be! Refreshing flavors of white peach, lively citrus, stone fruit and pear drop cascade across the palate with fleshy richness and energetic balance. There is plenty of zip and clean acidity on the long, delicious and very happy finish. Great with a wide variety of foods, but also just by itself.

Expert Review

Sam Kim of Wine Orbit 95 Points |  Gorgeously composed and expressed, the wine shows golden peach, lemon peel, nougat and hazelnut aromas with a hint of brioche complexity. The concentrated palate delivers terrific weight and persistency, wonderfully complemented by creamy texture and beautifully pitched acidity.

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc is initially closed on the nose but unfurls with notes of subtle tropicality, honey and graphite. The palate is extraordinarily complete, with complex layers of peach, preserved citrus and toasted nuts. A fine line of acidity and an enticing saline minerality balance the intense core of fruit and provide a fresh, palate-cleansing finish. 

Expert Review

Robert Parker 95+ Points | Te Koko is arguably the wine that launched the concept of premium Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand in the 1980s—no mean feat. On the nose, this 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc leads with pink grapefruit, nashi pear, white pepper, layers of crushed shells and brine, with hints of vanilla pod and star anise. In the mouth, all of the above with additional cut fennel, suggestions of marzipan, graphite and white pepper. There is a gentle lees texture and brilliant length of flavor. Excellent wine. The only reason you could possibly not like this wine is if you don't like Sauvignon Blanc, and even then, I'd insist that you try it.

Winemaker Description

Distinctly Marlborough, Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc is refined and elegant. Mouth-watering, textural acidity and a juicy core of citrus fruit exudes notes of crunchy greens and tropical guava on the nose. Pairs well with plump, raw oysters, pan seared snapper and Asian style seafood dishes, green salad with goats cheese or feta.

Winemaker Description 

Pale lemon with brilliant clarity. A vibrant bouquet of ripe grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple with a hint of freshly cut grass. You’ll think you’ve wandered into Paradise. A fresh, lively approachable wine overflowing with grapefruit, lemon and passion fruit and infused with a delicate, herbaceous character.

Crisp and refreshing with lots of yummy tropical fruit notes it's perfectly suited to lighter meals like white meats such as chicken and pork.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description 

An intentionally restrained mineral core is layered with ripe citrus, flashes of tropical fruit and crushed thyme. The palate is vibrant with white nectarine, passionfruit coulis, and wraps up classically crisp and refreshing in true Marlborough style. 

Winemaker Description

Rose gold in color, with alpine strawberries, cherries and plums on the nose, and a lovely background of exotic spices. Spook Light has a delightful cleansing astringency on the palate with great intensity, opulence and length.