the equinox winds that roar across the
Canterbury plains, and grown in Glasnevin
loam soils over deep gravel, the vines have
produced a multi-layered, highly textural
sauvignon blanc indeed. Hundred per cent
of the wine was fermented in French oak (15
per cent of which were new barrels) then
matured for six months to add complexity.
Winemaker Andrew Brown comes from a
farming family, but we’re beyond thrilled he
chose the wine life instead.
- GIBBSTON VALLEY
Gold River Central Otago Sauvignon
Blanc 2017 $27 Gold Medal
Just 10 per cent of this wine underwent
barrel ferment, yet it’s added a truckload of
finesse to this southern stunner. “A lovely,
sophisticated, elegantly minerally sauvignon
that’s very, very drinkable,” noted Jane,
while Yvonne was completely seduced by its
powerful passionfruit, lemon and lime layers,
floral notes and incredibly juicy, succulent
mouthfeel. Patrick loved the refreshing
length of flavour and it was easy to see how
winemaker Christopher Keys scooped gold
here. Never tried Central Otago sauvignon?
Here’s a great place to start. - MUD HOUSE
Woolshed Vineyard Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($22.99)
Gold Medal
The Woolshed Vineyard is Mud House’s
spiritual sauvignon blanc home, so it’s
fantastic to see it appearing in our top
picks. Yvonne loved the pungency of its
classic capsicum and powerful passionfruit
flavours, while Patrick added gooseberry
and citrus to his list of loves. “Brisk, very
bright and lovely lifted aromatics of alpine
herbs,” commented Jane and while a small
proportion underwent barrel fermentation,
this was very much a classic, crunchy,
signature Marlborough style.- LAWSON’S DRY HILLS
Marlborough Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
2016 ($25) Gold Medal
Lawson’s are one of the aristocrats of
sauvignon blanc, and with wines like this,
it’s easy to see how they maintain that
status. With punchy nettles, passionfruit,
lemongrass and a hint of flint and
gunsmoke, our judges all found this a very
attractive wine indeed. Yvonne loved the
line of white pepper and fresh-picked
puha on the nose and felt it had excellent
complexity and length. Intense in every
respect, it’s a wine the Lawson’s team can
be seriously proud of. - MOUNT RILEY
Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon
Blanc 2017 ($20) Gold Medal
Matt Murphy is another winemaker with a
farming background and it’s his affinity with
the produce of the land that keeps Mount
Riley in the wine spotlight we’re sure. Brand
new and boasting a deliciously dry texture
and lush, terrifically tropical textures
and flavours, this is a sauvignon that’ll
have your lips smacking and your cheeks
slapping in no time. Juicy lemon, sweet
basil, classic gooseberry and sugar snap
pea notes all wash across the palate.9. TOI TOI Reserve Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $21.95
Gold Medal
Extremely fresh and packed with varietal
“punch” according to Jane, this was an
instant hit with our judges. “Limes,
melon, juicy citrus and beautiful balance,”
is what won Patrick over and everyone
else agreed. “It’s highly aromatic, with
dried herbs and hay-like complexity with
impressive generosity and texture,”
added Yvonne. Winemaker Tim Adams has
crafted something really special here, it’s
a wine that will definitely win friends and
influence people.
10. HUNTAWAY RESERVE
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
($21.99) Gold Medal
If you prefer your sauvignon bursting with
herbaceous intensity, buckets of citrus
and lovely, mineral-driven layers of flavour,
then you’ve come to the right cul-de-sac.
“Loads of green, grassy notes and tropical
fruit,” noted Stephanie, while Cameron was
impressed with its beautiful balance and
length. The Huntaway Reserve has been
scooping medals since its first release in
1996, and it shows no sign of stopping any
time soon. It’s an extremely well-made
wine for certain.
BEST
BUYDISH 115