2014 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Forget all you know about New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc Cloudy Bay broke the winemaking rules to create a sophisticated style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc made through wild fermentation and aging in old French oak. Vineyards for making Te Koko 2014 were specifically chosen due to a combination of flavour intensity borne from vine age, balanced acidity and a ripe aromatic profile. Initial scents of white florals and fresh herbs are supported by those of sweet stone fruits and honeysuckle, and completed by a flinty intriguig minerality. The palate is juicy, with mouthwatering notes of nectarine, kaffir lime and lemongrass. A round and creamy mouth-feel complimented by a gentle minerality, while the nervy acidity contributes to a youthful and vibrant finish

This has developed wonderfully in the bottle with sliced-peach, lemon and mineral aromas that follow through to a medium-bodied palate, subtle fruit, attractive palate tension and a fresh finish. Screw cap.

94 points James Suckling

Light to mid-yellow colour; the bouquet is pungent and very complex. It's honeyed, mealy and nutty, but passionfruit/tropical Marlborough sauvignon blanc fruit character also rockets through. Intense and powerful in the mouth; dry and stony/mineral, almost racy except that it's so powerful and strong. The finish is bone-dry and very long. A top wine in the making.

95 points Huon Hooke The Real Review