MARLBOROUGH
75 TASTED
73 RECOMMENDED
Sauvignon blanc and pinot noir dominated this year’s impressive lineup of Marlborough wines, but the tasting also uncovered some memorable chardonnays and pinot gris. After the region’s hottest January on record and wettest-ever February, most of the 2018 vintage sauvignon blancs have ripe, tropical fruit flavours to the fore, rather than pungent herbaceous characters, giving them an easy-drinking appeal. Often grown on north-facing, clay-based sites on the south side of the Wairau Valley, the pinot noirs – still generally underrated - were typically of a high standard, and the top-rated chardonnays and pinot gris were deliciously vibrant and rich.
Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available in export markets are shown as (A) Australia, (UK) and (US).
JUDGED BY
Michael Cooper
Winestate’s New Zealand editor is author of the internationally acclaimed Wine Atlas of New Zealand and the annual New Zealand Wine: Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wine writing.
SPARKLING
1 TASTED
1 RECOMMENDED
Only one example tasted here but it was worthy of its high rating.
Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionnelle 2015 ★★★★1/2
A vivacious bottle-fermented sparkling made entirely from Marlborough grown chardonnay disgorged after 27 months on lees. Fragrant, with fresh, citrusy, yeasty aromas; the crisp palate is lively, with penetrating, citrusy, slightly appley flavours, showing good complexity, and a tightknit, lingering finish. $30
SAUVIGNON BLANC
24 TASTED
24 RECOMMENDED
The warmest-ever growing season in Marlborough has yielded sauvignon blancs with fresh, ripe, tropical fruit flavours to the fore, but also surprisingly moderate alcohol levels (often 12.5% alc/vol) and lively acidity. Several top-rated wines were from the 2017 - even 2016 - vintages, proving the variety’s often underrated aging ability, and skilful use of barrel fermentation and indigenous yeasts produced some weighty, rich, complex wines, outside the norm and well worth discovering.
Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ★★★★★
This classy wine was hand-picked at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley. Tangy and intense, it is full-bodied, with vibrant, pure passionfruit, grapefruit and lime flavours, lees-aging notes adding complexity, and a long, dry finish. $27
Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ★★★★★
Unfolding well, this aromatic wine is very fresh and weighty, with strong,
