One of our favorite New Zealand Sauv Blancs is back.  The good news is I have the latest, and greatest, vintage here for you. The bad news is that the wine is extremely limited this year, again. That's what happens when Decanter bestows a 98 pt review on your wine... that sells for under $20! ... grab it while you can.  

Auntsfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Sale $17.99 

92 pts Vinous 

What is particularly compelling about this wine is how different it is from the standard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Sure, it has all the characteristic aromas of gooseberry, lemons and limes, and vibrant acidity. But it has a level of richness and intensity that I have rarely found in a Kiwi SB. The secret is in the extremely low yields they crop - with less fruit per vine, the grapes are extremely concentrated in flavor and abundantly ripe. So, in addition to the vibrant citrus character you expect, you are presented with rich tropical fruit flavors like papaya, passion fruit and banana. The use of completely neutral oak barrels allows for a smidge of oxygen exposure - further creating a lush, creamy impression.

In all, this juicy wine packs quite a surprising punch, with vibrant acidity, minerality and a peppery spice adding depth and complexity to all of the aforementioned fruit. Perfect for slurping down in the last warm days of the year. My personal fav is to pair with fresh tomatoes, thickly sliced, topped with fresh, local goat cheese and a sprinkling of chives from the garden. Yummy! But thanks to the richness and intensity, this gem is also a great match with more substantial foods – simple herb-roasted chicken or pork tenderloin would be fabulous!

"Lifted and pure aromas of passionfruit, ripe citrus and lime leaf. Notes of fresh and dried herbs, gooseberry and redcurrant add pungency and intensity to the aromatics. Powerful, tight and elegant. This wine displays intense ripe fruit flavours of passionfruit juice and white peach, with citrus notes of lime and mandarin pith. The palate has intense concentration and generous weight, balanced by an underlying minerality and tight structure to shape a wine with lively tension and textural balance.” winery note

"This Sauvignon Blanc combines the quintessential vibrancy and clarity of Marlborough with an expansive, mouth-filling texture. While classically Sauvignon with its vivid elderflower, citrus, passion fruit and nettle aromas, its enthusiasm is curbed by a proportion of wine fermented in oak. Mouthwatering acidity cleanses the palate on the balanced, medium-length finish." Vinous


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in both stores.