2024 Yealands Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley

A finely-balanced and restrained sauvignon with juicy, cooler-climate characters of lime leaf, calamansi and salinity. There is a sliver of sweetness on the finish to balance the vibrant acidity and detailed notes of wet stone, flint and passion flower before green tomato takes charge on the mouth-watering finish. Very well made and carefully measured, this will remain fresh for a few years in bottle 30 Jul 2025 Drink 2025–2028

93 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Yealands, founded in 2008 by sustainability pioneer Peter Yealands, has quickly risen to prominence as one of Marlborough’s most forward-thinking producers. Located in the Awatere Valley, the estate’s coastal vineyards are some of the southernmost in the region, benefiting from strong maritime breezes, high sunshine hours, and cool nights that slow ripening and intensify flavour. The Single Vineyard range is designed to highlight the unique character of specific parcels, with the Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc known for its lifted aromatics, mineral drive, and zesty precision. Yealands’ commitment to carbon-neutral winemaking and regenerative vineyard practices ensures that each bottle reflects both the land and a light environmental footprint.

The Yealands Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley is a bright, aromatic wine with pale straw colour and green hues. The nose bursts with passionfruit, guava, and ripe lime, layered over fresh herbs, tomato leaf, and a flinty mineral note from the valley’s ancient alluvial soils. The palate is crisp and vibrant, delivering concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavours balanced by mouth-watering acidity and a saline edge. Extended lees contact adds a subtle textural roundness without detracting from the wine’s laser-like freshness, while the finish is long, tangy, and refreshingly dry.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a natural match for freshly shucked oysters, steamed green-lipped mussels with lemongrass, grilled asparagus with lemon oil, or a Vietnamese chicken salad. While best enjoyed in its youth for its brightness, it will hold well for up to three years, gaining softer edges and a more savoury complexity.