Glass of Sauvignon Blanc wine in front of beautiful vineyard in New Zealand on Waiheke Island
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Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s favorite white wine varietals and has emerged as New Zealand’s signature grape. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on 15 of New Zealand’s award-winning Sauvignon Blanc wines.
This green-skinned grape variety originated in France’s Bordeaux region but is now cultivated worldwide. Highly reflective of its terroir, a French term that encompasses the environmental factors that influence a wine’s character, its expression can vary significantly depending on the climate and soil where it is grown. Known for its crisp, dry, and aromatic qualities, it is often consumed young.
The varietal is renowned for its vibrant and refreshing acidity and robust aromas. The flavor profile typically includes fruit flavors of green apple, lime, passion fruit, and white peach. It leans towards green apples and lemon/lime in cooler climates, while in warmer regions, it tends to exhibit more tropical flavors of melon, mango, and passion fruit.
These wines often display herbaceous elements reminiscent of freshly cut grass or bell pepper alongside floral hints of elderflower and potpourri. Some expressions of Sauvignon Blanc also feature a wet stone or flint-like minerality.
Since its first planting in the 1970s, Sauvignon Blanc has found a unique expression in New Zealand, particularly in the renowned Marlborough region. Unlike the more restrained versions from France’s Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé regions, the New Zealand style is a testament to the country’s unique terroir, typically more aromatic and fruit-forward, and has quickly gained international acclaim.
The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc style displays particularly intense aromatics and vibrant fruit flavors. The region’s cool climate, high diurnal temperature range, and stony, well-draining soils are ideal for enhancing the aromatic profile and maintaining the grape’s natural acidity.
The global popularity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with its intense aromatics and vibrant fruit flavors, has driven significant growth in New Zealand’s wine industry and brought international recognition to its winemaking prowess.
New Zealand winemakers have experimented with different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, including oak aging, barrel fermentation, and wild/natural fermentation, among other things, providing a broader range of styles to meet diverse consumer preferences. New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its expressive, refreshing qualities and ability to pair well with various foods.
The typical ABV range of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines ranges between 12.5% and 14.5%. This range allows the wines to balance the vibrant fruit flavors and the crisp acidity New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for. The specific ABV varies depending on the vintage, the sub-region, and winemaking practices. All bottles are 750 ml sized.
In compiling this list of top-rated Sauvignon Blancs, we reviewed the results from various prestigious wine competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards, Wine Spectator, International Wine & Spirit Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Wine Enthusiast, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and several New Zealand Wine competitions. These competitions are known for their rigorous judging processes and high standards, making their results highly respected in the wine industry.
Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Malborough region of New Zealand
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Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $34
Cloudy Bay has been a pioneer in the Marlborough wine region since 1985, setting high standards for this distinct New Zealand wine profile.
The wine features vibrant lime, gooseberry, and passionfruit notes with a hint of herbal aromas. The palate is intensely flavored with citrus fruits and a stone-fruit character, balanced by a crisp acidity and a dry, lingering finish.
Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc $23
Villa Maria wines are perennial medal winners. The company has been a driving force in New Zealand’s wine industry.
The wine features layers of tropical fruits, with mango and pineapple at the forefront, complemented by herbaceous notes of bell pepper and fresh herbs. The acidity is zesty, ensuring a fresh and vibrant finish.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $17
Kim Crawford is renowned for expressive wines that encapsulate the flavor intensity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine exhibits explosive aromas of citrus, passion fruit, herbs, and cut grass on the nose. The palate is sharp with a pronounced acidity carrying flavors of ripe tropical fruits and a minerally edge.
Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley $17
Known for its commitment to sustainable wine production, Yealands produces award-winning wines from one of New Zealand’s coastal vineyards.
The wine showcases herbal, blackcurrant leaf, and floral aromas, followed by lemon zest and peach notes on the palate, underlined by vibrant acidity and flinty minerality.
Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough $32
Founded by Kevin Judd, one of the pioneers of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Greywacke is celebrated for its artisanal approach.
The wine features a complex nose of toasted almonds and dried herbs, with a rich, textured palate of ripe tropical fruit and earthy, savory notes. The finish is long, with lingering tropical fruit notes framed by a notable acidity.
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Valley $21
Saint Clair produces wines that showcase the terroir of specific vineyard sites.
This wine is aromatic and complex, with a nose of passionfruit, green apple, and fresh-cut grass. The palate is flavorful, featuring grapefruit and apple, herbaceous notes, and a hint of salinity leading to a long fruity finish.
Closeup shot of ready to be harvested Sauvignon Blanc grapes, taken in a Marlborough, New Zealand, vineyard
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Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $18
Astrolabe crafts wines that express the distinct maritime terroir and microclimates of Marlborough.
The wine expresses lime, basil, and green pepper aromas. It is refreshing on the palate, with melon and peach flavors balanced by a sharp acidity.
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $23
Dog Point produces organic wines with minimal winemaking intervention.
The wine is aromatically complex with citrus, ripe melon, and smoked meat aromas. It’s intensely flavored on the palate, featuring assorted citrus and tropical fruits, a bright acidity, and a long, dry finish.
Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc Hawke’s Bay $27
Te Mata produces top-tier wines in Hawke’s Bay, blending traditional and modern techniques.
This barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc offers a textured palate with flavors of toasted nuts, baked lemons, and a hint of oak, complemented by a lively acidity.
Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘B’ Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $27
Brancott Estate planted the first Sauvignon Blanc vines in Marlborough, leading the region’s wine evolution.
The wine is aromatic and fruity, featuring nectarine, lime, and lemongrass notes. It’s fresh and crisp on the palate, with zesty acidity, herbaceous/reductive aromas, and a refreshing finish.
Allan Scott Cecilia Brut NV Methode Traditionnelle Marlborough $12
Allan Scott Family Winemakers are pioneers and innovators in the Marlborough wine industry.
The Brut is a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant citrus and apple notes, fine bubbles, and a creamy texture on the palate, ending with a lively, clean finish. At an average price of $12, it’s also an outstanding value.
Marisco Vineyards The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $14
Marisco Vineyards produces wines that reflect the heritage and unique environment of Marlborough.
The wine is fruity and aromatic, featuring a mix of stone fruit and citrus aromas underpinned by herbal notes. The palate is crisp, with an invigorating acidity.
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $17
Nautilus Estate is known for meticulous winemaking, creating Sauvignon Blanc wines that reflect the cool climate of Marlborough.
The wine exhibits powerful aromas and flavors of passionfruit and citrus with subtle mineral and herbaceous notes. The finish is long and fruity with a refreshing acidity.
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $18
Framingham is known for iconic, expressive, individualistic wines, often pushing the boundaries of typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine features tropical fruit and herbal blackcurrant aromas around a floral potpourri note. The palate is flavorful and textured, with a crisp, acidic edge. The finish is long and fruity, with a lingering tangy acidity.
Mud House Subregion Series Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $19
Mud House produces wines that showcase the diverse sub-regions of Marlborough.
The wine exhibits intense notes of lime, passionfruit, and fresh herbs. The palate is crisp and complex, with a lively acidity supporting a long, flavorful finish.
These Sauvignon Blancs represent the pinnacle of New Zealand winemaking, consistently earning accolades for their expressive, vibrant, and balanced profiles. Each wine showcases the unique attributes of its vineyard, offering a distinct and memorable tasting experience. See also The Best California Sauvignon Blanc Wines and The Top Sauvignon Blanc Wines from the San Francisco International Wine Competition.