In my humble opinion, Auntsfield makes New Zealand's finest Sauvignon Blanc. Bold statement for sure, but I personally think it outclasses Cloudy Bay, Dog Point, and Greywacke.
It's just my opinion, and I love those other producers' wines, but this one just really does it for me. Produced with grapes from Marlborough’s first colonial vineyard, this stuff is absolutely amazing.
2021 Auntsfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 'Single Vineyard'
My pick for the top Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc out there.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Auntsfield Estate is home to one of the top Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere. Originally established in 1873, it produced highly sought-after wines for over 50 years. Then phylloxera happened, and the vineyard was wiped out. It lay dormant until the early 1990's when the Cowley family purchased it and replanted the site.
These Sauvignon Blanc vines are now over 25 years old, and it's these old vines combined with the heritage of this site that combine to make this wine so special. In addition, the Cowleys ferment 15% of their Sauvignon Blanc in seasoned French oak barriques. This process does not impart any oak flavors, but it gives this wine its super fine texture and mouthfeel.
So, what does it smell and taste like? The essence of Sauvignon Blanc, that's what it smells and tastes like. It explodes out of the glass with sensational and prototype Sauvignon Blanc aromas of elderflower, citrus, passion fruit, and melon. The palate is equally engaging, and though this is certainly lively, there's a much more integrated and relaxed feel about it, no doubt due to the oak treatment.
As I've said before, there is going to be a shortage of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the very near future. Vintage 2021 produced wines of very high quality, but frosts at harvest lessened the crop by 30% or more for most producers. Thus, if you love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you might want to stock up, and it's hard to beat this one.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville