2024 Rabbit Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago

Rabbit Ranch Sauvignon Blanc from Central Otago is a lively, zesty white that brings a distinctly southern twist to the classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc style. While Marlborough dominates the category, Rabbit Ranch delivers a cooler, more alpine take — with crunchier acidity, stony minerality and a sleeker, drier profile. It’s crisp, vibrant and full of personality, much like the brand’s irreverent rabbit-themed storytelling.

Grown in elevated vineyards around Central Otago, this Sauvignon Blanc benefits from cold nights and long sunshine hours, which help retain acidity and build aromatic intensity. Fermented in stainless steel with minimal intervention, the focus is on purity and freshness rather than texture or oak.

In the glass, it leaps out with aromas of lemon zest, gooseberry, green apple, kaffir lime and a whiff of cut grass and fresh herbs. The palate is dry, taut and refreshing with flavours of citrus, snow pea and subtle passionfruit, finishing clean with a mineral edge and brisk acidity.

Food pairing: Ideal with fresh oysters, Thai-style chicken salad, grilled asparagus with lemon vinaigrette, or goat cheese crostini. Also works well with light seafood pasta or sushi.

Cellar potential: Best enjoyed in its youth within 1 to 3 years for maximum aromatic brightness and crispness.