te Pā “Oke” Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is a distinctive, barrel-fermented expression of Sauvignon Blanc that shows a richer, more textured and complex side of Marlborough. Rather than focusing solely on the bright, fruit-driven character associated with the region, Oke combines ripe fruit, vibrant acidity and carefully integrated oak to create a Sauvignon Blanc with impressive depth and structure.
Fruit for the 2024 Oke comes from two of Marlborough’s important Sauvignon Blanc growing areas, the Lower Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley. The combination brings together the generosity and ripe fruit character of the Wairau with the freshness, herbal lift and mineral tension often associated with the cooler Awatere Valley.
Expert Ratings
94 Wine Enthusiast: This oak-aged wine, from unique, ultra maritime blocks owned by Maori family, the MacDonalds, drinks more like a white Bordeaux than your typical Marlborough Savvy B. It's nutty and smokey, with a mineral thread through the lemon and grapefruit. It all comes together on the palate where a rush of mouthwatering salted citrus acidity is padded out by the creamier, toastier textural elements. With beautiful linearity and tautness, this should age gracefully for another 7-8 years. But why wait? It's drinking deliciously now. Editors' Choice
93 James Suckling: This sauvignon blanc has aromas of dried lemons, wild herbs and some mangoes. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Direct and succulent texture. Driven and seductive, with a lively finish.
92 Vinous: The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Oke is an intriguing, barrel-fermented expression, combining the varietal fruity/green tones with well-judged oak. Oak-derived vanilla and grilled nuts underscore blackcurrant, nectarine and green herbs. Dry and firm with fine texture and a long, scented finish, the 2024 is ready to enjoy. However, it also has the structure and substance to evolve gracefully over the coming five to eight years, particularly under screw cap.
92 Wine Spectator: Distinctive, rich and succulent, with litsea oil, grilled lemon and beeswax notes that add an appealing savory element, plus a touch of coconut water that complements the peach, lemon curd and dried mango flavors. A honeysuckle detail lingers on the finish.
91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2024 Oke Sauvignon Blanc is an oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc, and the élevage is an integral part of this wine. I find Sauvignon Blanc and oak to be awkward bedfellows, the former so easily swamped by the latter despite its propensity for exuberant fruit expression. This is the case with this wine; however, the fruit shows excellent endurance through the long finish. For fans of this style, it will be popular, and it is clear that it has been executed with sophistication in mind. Te Pa is a member of the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) group. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Winemaking
The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in specially shaped 320-liter French oak barrels using a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts. The increased contact between the wine and its lees helps develop additional weight, texture and complexity. Barrel maturation further integrates the fruit and oak, producing a style that is considerably more layered and savory than a typical stainless-steel-fermented Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting Notes
Rich and beautifully textured, the 2024 Oke opens with ripe citrus, pear and stone fruit alongside hints of tropical fruit and citrus blossom. Subtle smoky and flinty notes add complexity, while gentle touches of toasted nuts, vanilla and spice reflect the barrel fermentation. The palate is concentrated yet energetic, with bright citrus-driven acidity providing freshness and definition through the long, mineral-tinged finish.
This is an excellent Sauvignon Blanc for Chardonnay drinkers as well as Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts looking for a more sophisticated, oak-influenced interpretation of Marlborough.
About te Pā
te Pā is a family-owned Marlborough estate founded by Haysley MacDonald. The MacDonald family traces its connection to the Wairau Bar and surrounding land back approximately 800 years to some of the earliest Māori settlers in the region. That deep relationship with the land and sea remains central to the philosophy of the winery and its approach to viticulture.
Food Pairing
Excellent with grilled or roasted fish, shellfish, lobster, scallops, roast chicken and other light poultry dishes. Its combination of bright acidity and creamy texture also makes it particularly appealing with rich, soft cheeses, seafood in butter or cream sauces, and dishes featuring citrus or fresh herbs.
Wine Details
-
Producer: te Pā Wines
-
Wine: Oke Sauvignon Blanc
-
Vintage: 2024
-
Country: New Zealand
-
Region: Marlborough
-
Subregions: Lower Wairau Valley & Awatere Valley
-
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
-
Style: Dry, barrel-fermented white wine
-
Alcohol: 13%
-
Bottle Size: 750ml
-
Closure: Screw Cap
< Show Less
