2020 Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

This wine is as much about texture as it is about taste. Bone-dry and mouth-filling with peppery phenolics that offer support while pushing a lingering finish. Quite Sancerre-like with a savoury, stemmy character. Good food wine 27 Sep 2023 Drink 2023–2026

94 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a distinctive and meticulously crafted wine that redefines the possibilities of New Zealand's signature varietal. Created by renowned winemaking duo Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson, this small-batch Sauvignon Blanc offers an avant-garde take on the grape, emphasizing texture, depth, and sophistication. The name "Abstract Three Rows" reflects the exclusive selection of grapes from three specific vineyard rows, a testament to their focus on precision and quality.

Sourced from a single vineyard in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive in free-draining alluvial soils under the region’s cool maritime climate. The site’s unique terroir and careful viticulture result in fruit of exceptional character, marrying intensity with finesse.

Winemaking combines tradition with innovation. Wild fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete eggs, imparting texture and complexity while preserving the bright aromatics. The wine is aged on fine lees for several months, enhancing its creamy mouthfeel and integrating its vibrant acidity.

In the glass, Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc displays a pale golden hue. Aromas of ripe citrus, tropical fruit, and elderflower are complemented by subtle notes of flint and smoky minerality. On the palate, it is layered and textural, offering flavors of passionfruit, lime zest, and a hint of white peach, with a balanced acidity that drives a long, elegant finish. This is a Sauvignon Blanc crafted for those seeking a wine with substance and sophistication, perfect for pairing with dishes like seared scallops, grilled asparagus, or goat cheese tart.