Marlborough Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Marlborough Sounds makes this Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island, the region that set the modern standard for the grape. Marlborough sits in a cool maritime climate on free-draining soils of gravel and silt laid down by old riverbeds. Long, sunny days and cold nights let the grapes ripen slowly while holding their high natural acidity, which is the source of the region's vivid, pungent style. The wine is aged on its lees, the spent yeast left after fermentation, which adds a little weight and texture to what is otherwise a bright, unoaked white. It shows pale straw with green tints, with a nose of gooseberry, tropical fruit, lime and freshly cut grass over an elderflower note. The palate is dry and crisp, with sharp citrus and green fruit driven by racy acidity, closing on a clean, zesty finish. Everything here is about freshness and aromatic drive. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white-wine glass.