Danielle here with my weekly white pick! It’s time for a picnic! With the beautiful weather approaching, I found the perfect wine companion to leisure outdoors!

Huia Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Super Sale $17.99 – Limited Supply

93 pts Vinous Media

Vinous has 1,070 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs reviewed on their website. This is the ONLY one rated 93 pts with a retail under $20.

The ONLY one. Hmm… let’s take a peak at what they have to say…

“Forget flamboyant, uptight commercial Sauvignon Blanc, because this is not it. Instead, it’s a gentle, almost relaxed Sauvignon, perhaps because it's organically grown and partly wild-fermented, with 45% heading into neutral oak and spending five months on lees thereafter. Round and supple; a gentle brace of cool climate acidity provides shape and fine phenolic texture. Expect aromatic violet flavors, apple skin, a touch of savory lees and a subtle nutty flavor. At a perfect place in its evolution right now. Drinking window: 2020 – 2023” VM

Perfect! While there is no mistaking this for anything other than New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Huia’s offering is certainly distinct. The use of neutral oak and aging on the lees adds a unique, and delicious, level of complexity and softness. While delicious on the front porch by itself, this gem begs for some food.

The winery’s tasting sheet recommends “Hot Dogs. Whitebait fritter. Pan-fried white fish with lashings of butter.” Ok… that sounds delicious! I’ll have one of each please! Or perhaps a take on clams or mussels. Click on the pic below for a recipe of Tua Tua With Smoke Paprika, Tomatoes And Basil.

“Huia Sauvignon Blanc shows a good aromatic intensity with bright floral note of elderflower and lime blossom. The wine is layered with flavours ranging from guava, melon, gooseberry and lime zest. The palate has definite mineral notes balancing the ripe acidity and myriad of fruit and flower flavors. This uplifting Sauvignon Blanc shows an excellent length and depth on the palate, simply delicious in the glass.” Winery

Supply is limited. Definitely not enough for all of the warm days ahead, so grab what you can!


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. A little bit in Hillsborough, with more arriving Wednesday.