Grown in the Awatere Valley (although the label refers only to ‘Clifford Bay’, into which the Awatere River empties), this is an exceptional Marlborough wine. Seddon Vineyards and the Taylors Pass Vineyard – both managed but not owned by Villa Maria – are the key sources of fruit. Handled entirely in stainless steel tanks and aged on its light yeast lees for several months, the wine typically exhibits the leap-out-of-the-glass fragrance and zingy, explosive flavour of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its inimitable best. The 2013 (5*) is a classic Awatere style, with intense, ripely herbaceous aromas and flavours. Vibrant and pungently fruity, it has hints of limes, green capsicums and ‘tomato stalks’, with a rich, dry, zesty finish. The 2014 vintage (4.5*) has fresh, nettley aromas, leading into a vibrant, clearly herbaceous wine with incisive melon and green-capsicum flavours, dry (under 3 grams/litre of residual sugar) and crisp.
Details
Type: White Wines
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2014
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $28 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: V+
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2015
This wine is a Classic.