2024 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

A stroll through an island rainforest is the best way to describe this wine. A canopy of elderflower blooms, green apple, and mangosteen flesh opens the experience, while the variety’s flourishing, leafy qualities sit at its heart in the most enticing way. Notes of cut lime, papaya skin and aloe gel weave through. The palate builds with each sip – a touch of self-raising flour mealiness, a hint of lemon-butter creaminess, all carried in an overall dry style that both quenches and intrigues. Its natural arch of acidity drives the wine forward, underpinned by a low hum of power and a full force of flavour. Best enjoyed in a wide glass, to capture its full effect.

96 points Special Value Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

The Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s most admired examples of the variety, crafted by Kevin Judd, the founding winemaker at Cloudy Bay and now the creative force behind Greywacke. Named after the grey sandstone that dominates Marlborough’s soils, Greywacke wines are known for their precision, texture and complexity. This Sauvignon Blanc captures the hallmark vibrancy of Marlborough while adding layers of depth and subtle savoury detail that set it apart from the crowd.

In the glass it is pale straw with green hues. The bouquet is aromatic and expressive, showing passionfruit, guava and ripe citrus alongside fresh herbs, elderflower and a hint of flint. On the palate it is vibrant and juicy, with tropical and citrus fruit flavours wrapped around crisp acidity. Subtle notes of lemongrass and mineral add dimension, while a gentle textural weight gives the wine length and finesse. The finish is clean, refreshing and persistent, making it both immediately appealing and quietly sophisticated.

Food pairings highlight its lively aromatics and freshness: freshly shucked oysters, kingfish sashimi, grilled prawns, or Vietnamese rice paper rolls with herbs and lime. It also works beautifully with goat’s cheese and light salads. Best enjoyed young for its bright fruit expression, but it can cellar for 3 to 5 years, developing softer, more savoury notes with time.