
I've tasted over a thousand wines in 2021; undoubtedly, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most tasted white varieties and still amaze me. Sauvignon Blanc has taken the world by storm over the past couple of decades, producing a distinctive fruit-forward, crisp style at an affordable price and high-quality level.
However, whilst the world is starting to think NZ Sauvignon Blanc is a one-trick pony, a diverse range of Sauvignon Blanc pushes it to another level. Winemakers apply wild fermentation, barrel fermentation and ageing, showcasing the single-vineyard aspect, sub-regional character, then the Savvy personalities all came out, plus the excellent conditions we had for vintage 2021; Sauvignon Blanc has never looked better!
Below is my selection of Top Sauvignon Blanc tasted in 2021, which are currently available in the market. It's an extensive range of styles, from the classic Marlborough - Jules Taylor, Whitehaven bursting with bright fruit and freshness, and newcomer Eva Pemper shows a spicy side of SB; to Paddy Borthwick shows a calm and restrained Wairarapa elegance. Organic producer Greystone in North Canterbury offers a complex, creamy, barrel-fermented style. Pegasus Bay followed the Bordeaux tradition, blending Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon fermented a portion in old puncheons to build texture and a portion aged in new oak to gain complexity. Then back to Marlborough Te Pa Oke - a complex & age-worthy style produced by barrel-fermentation and aged in barrels; Rapaura Springs showcasing the Blind River subregion and Bull Paddock single-vineyard after years of understanding their vineyards. The NZ Sauvignon Blanc scene is very exciting!
Read my reviews below or join me to taste them in Auckland on 19th Jan at Cahn's Wines & Spirits on O'Connell Street or in Wellington on the 27th Jan at Wine Sentience on Vivian Street, Te Aro. Ticket links :
Auckland 19 Jan : https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/236587308007 Wellington 28 Jan : https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/236602222617*Use the code "TOPWHITE" on the below websites to apply a discount to buy direct.
Jules Taylor - 15% off
Te Pa - 15% off
Whitehaven - 20% off
Eva Pemper - 10% off
FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW
- Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough
- Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Marlborough
- Eva Pemper Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough
- Paddy Borthwick Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Wairarapa
- Greystone Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2020, North Canterbury
- Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2019, North Canterbury
- Rapaura Springs Rohe-Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough
- Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough
- Te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough