I first came across this wine at a Majestic press tasting and thought it was one of the best bottles on show. I had to try it again to see what it was like outside a line-up of 120 wines, how it changed with temperature and whether it would still impress.
It comes from Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. Back in 1978, the Rose family became the first to grow grapes in what is now known as the Golden Mile, after winning approval to plant in a region where it had previously not been permitted and where there had been strong opposition. This is the 2025 vintage. The wine is left to settle on light lees before bottling. It is 12.3% abv.
In the glass, it is a pale lemon. On opening, you get classic gooseberry, passionfruit, cut grass and citrus. In the mouth, it is full of explosive aromatics with a crisp, citrus and tropical character. Dry, medium-bodied, with high acidity, and a zesty, pungent finish.
You could describe most Sauvignon Blancs in much the same way, but this one really is different. It is more intense, more citrus-driven when colder and very gooseberry-led when warmer. It has real intensity without slipping into the musky territory that some examples do. This is one of the best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had.
It went brilliantly with the chicken dish I was having at the same time. Sauvignon Blanc can be divisive, “love-it-or-loathe-it”. Someone I know in the wine trade, who does not even particularly favour Sauvignon Blanc, even said they liked it. In fact, I have bought more, even though I already have enough wine waiting to be tried. Wines this good do not come along that often.
It is only £9.50 as part of a mix six at Majestic.
