NEW ZEALAND

SAUVIGNON BLANC

92 Deep Down 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). This new label was co-founded by Clive Dougall, former longtime winemaker at acclaimed biodynamic estate, Seresin. This single vineyard project takes a more natural, minimal approach from the winemaking front. Pale gold in color, it smells of honey, fresh butter, damp hay, stones, waxy lemon, pineapple and wild flowers and herbs. The palate is long and textural, playing quite beautifully with the prickly acidity. Vintage ’59 Imports. —C.P.

abv: 12.5% Price: $21

92 Erica 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). This is a wine made by winemaker Jules Taylor in honor of Erica Crawford, co-founder of the Kim Crawford brand and current partner in Loveblock wines. It’s a delicious tribute, perfumed but not bombastic or overtly pungent. Instead it offers bright, fleshy tropical and citrus fruit, apple blossoms and a whisper of green herbs and chalk dust. The palate is nicely textured amidst all that fleshy fruit and tingly acidity. Terlato Wines International. Editors’ Choice. —C.P.

abv: 13.5% Price: $23

91 Giesen 2020 Uncharted Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). For full review see page 120.

abv: 13.5% Price: $25

91 Greywacke 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). For full review see page 120.

abv: 13.5% Price: $23

This label consistently delivers modern, well priced wines that are. —C.P.