2024 Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Tangy, dry sauvignon blanc with green capsicum, tomato leaf, lime sherbet dab and passionfruit flavours. Intense wine with a lingering and mouth-watering finish and a strong varietal identity 20 Aug 2024 Drink 2024–2027

93 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc is a single-vineyard expression from Marlborough’s Awatere Valley that offers a more structured, mineral-driven take on New Zealand’s most famous grape. Taylors Pass Vineyard, located on the northern bank of the Awatere River, is exposed to cool maritime winds and has stony, alluvial soils that produce low yields and concentrated fruit. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of precision and depth, combining the varietal’s hallmark aromatic lift with a savoury, flinty edge that sets it apart from broader regional blends.

The wine is fermented mostly in stainless steel to preserve freshness, with a small portion aged in old French oak to add texture and complexity. Lees stirring enhances mouthfeel, while the winemaking remains restrained to let the vineyard speak.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of grapefruit zest, passionfruit, lime leaf, jalapeño and crushed herbs. The palate is vibrant and finely textured, with concentrated citrus and tropical fruit layered over a spine of minerality and bright acidity. It finishes long and saline, showing both purity and detail.

Food pairing: excellent with goat cheese and herb tart, grilled prawns with lime and coriander, Thai green curry, or fresh oysters. Also lovely with sashimi or a salad of green apple and fennel.

Cellar potential: designed for freshness but will develop more savoury complexity over 3 to 5 years.