Described as "a textbook example of the cool Awatere Valley style" by Decanter's Bob Campbell, the crisp and zesty 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc boasts Marlborough's fresh enticing aromas of citrusy, tropical fruit finishing with a hint of tangy minerality, a refreshingly delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc unbeatably priced to pour and enjoy freely.
Located on the Rapaura Road just below the Wairau River, winemaker Simon Waghorn established his small family-owned winery on New Zealand's South Island in 1996, naming it Astrolabe after the astronomical instrument used by the pioneering navigators who first explored the Marlborough Sounds in the 19th century. Described as "a consistently delicious label" by the Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard, Astrolabe sources top quality Sauvignon Blanc from long term contracts with a small group of growers in the Awatere Valley as well as parcels in Wairau, the Southern Valleys and the Kekerengu Coast, the sustainably farmed vineyards boasting a cooler climate with a diverse range of soils and growing conditions that contribute layers of complexity. After harvesting the grapes during the coolest part of the day, Simon preserved the freshness of the grapes for the 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc throughout fermentation and aging, yielding elegantly balanced ripe citrus flavors with subtle notes of tropical fruit balanced by Marlborough's signature herbaceous minerality and a refreshing savory, dry finish that draws you back for another sip.
Celebrating its 25th vintage in 2022, the bright and crisp 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the year's top rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and an appealing choice for an everyday white, named a Wine Spectator Value Pick that's ready to enjoy often over the next few years at an equally appealing bargain price.
Checking all the boxes, this stunning version is fresh and vibrant yet also complex and full of flavor, from toasted green tea and lemon thyme to mouthwatering passion fruit, yuzu and mango. Ends with hints of white pepper, lemon blossoms and sea salt on the long, expressive finish. Drink now.
94 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Jul 2022)
#15 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2023
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