Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

The 2023 Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc comprises 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillon and 1% Sauvignon Gris. Aromatically, the wine leads with pressed linen and Golden Delicious apples, white pepper, shaved fennel and a profusion of preserved citrus rind. Texturally, the wine has grip and shape, and while the acidity is brisk in the mouth, it is enveloped with ripe fruit and is tense. The four clones of Sauvignon Blanc (MS, 316, 317 and 905) bring genetic diversity and fruit profile, which elevates the wine into the echelon of the great. This is a 360-degree drinking experience here, driven by phenolic drive, acid and an abundance of fruit. Excellent. Barrel ferment and lees work emphasizes all of the above. The 905 clone plays a role in the texture of the wine here. This is one of the best Cape Crest releases—and from a challenging season too. The wine goes a long way toward proving the theory that great producers prevail no matter the season, and a large part of that is the extensive work conducted in the vineyard. The years of research and development into vine and soil health, cover crops and canopy management has come home to roost in this season. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

2023 was the year of Cyclone Gabrielle at the beginning of February in 2023. It impacted the early picks of the estate Chardonnay and Pinot, but essentially, as you go further south, the better it got. North of Napier was badly affected. The weather improved as the vintage went along. Handpicking assisted in mitigating the effects of the season. The volumes are drastically reduced in this year in order to preserve integrity of house style.

Made with a touch of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, this oak-aged Sauvy B is made more in the white Bordeaux vein than the Marlborough one. The nose shows flinty, toasty reductive notes. But the winemaking technique can't fully obscure SB's bombastic nature. There's lemon-lime, pink grapefruit and pineapple with seashells, fennel fronds and summer herbs on the fringes; lovely richness and concentration on the palate, with salted grapefruit acidity and structure to make this a food friendly drop now, but one with the potential to age for several more years.

This shows complex, subtle aromas of pears, kiwis and creme brulee as well as hints of fresh herbs. Coriander and fennel leaves. Medium- to full-bodied, this is creamy yet tangy with sliced and dried lemons and a long, flavorful finish. Excellent density but not at all heavy. Fermented and aged in barrel. 11 months on gross lees. 97% sauvignon blanc, 2% semillon and 1% sauvignon gris. Intense finish. Drink now. Screw cap.