Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This grows on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vines protected from the ocean winds by a range of coastal mountains. It’s a fresh, substantial white with ripe notes of green pear and a buzz of orange-like acidity. For such a big wine, it manages to feel crunchy and coastal, built for sea bass roasted with fennel.
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Wine Spectator
Grassy and fresh, offering grated ginger, lemongrass and green apple flavors that show plenty of juicy intensity, with a touch of succulent mango on the finish.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
On the central eastern coast of the South Island, Canterbury includes a collection of small and varied subregions. The region is cool and dry with low rainfall and light, infertile soils. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are well-suited here, with Pinot Gris coming in third place.