2024 Meltwater Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Meltwater Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc comes from one of Marlborough’s most expressive subregions and is made by Mike Paterson, the skilled hands behind Corofin. Known for his elegant, vineyard-driven wines, Paterson brings a more nuanced approach to a variety that’s often known for its exuberance. Meltwater captures the vibrancy of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc without leaning into caricature or excess.

Grown in the stony soils of the Wairau Valley, the fruit benefits from warm days and cool nights, preserving acidity while building texture and flavour. Fermented predominantly in stainless steel with a small portion in neutral oak, the wine walks a fine line between fruit purity and subtle savoury depth.

On the nose, it opens with citrus blossom, kaffir lime, and fresh passionfruit layered over crushed herbs and a flicker of sea spray. The palate is crisp and taut, driven by lemon pith, guava, and a chalky mineral backbone. There’s real clarity here, with a long, saline finish and none of the aggressive green notes that sometimes overwhelm lesser examples.

Food pairing: sensational with fresh oysters, Thai green curry, lemon and herb roast chicken, or grilled asparagus with goat’s cheese. Its freshness and minerality also make it a standout with raw fish or ceviche.

Cellar potential: built to drink young while its energy and zest are at their peak, though it will hold well for 2 to 3 years if you enjoy more mellowed citrus and lanolin notes over time