2023 TWR Sauvignon Blanc
$29.00
Our aim with this, our classic style of Sauvignon Blanc, is to put 100% effort into making a wine that silences all the doubters and which restores faith in this region and the amazing quality of the wines from here. This 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a blend from two specially selected vineyards in two different subregions of Marlborough. One of the vineyards are in the upper Awatere Valley – Shamrock, and the second being our certified organic TWR home block, here in Renwick.
The growing conditions in the Awatere are characterised by cooler temperatures and slower ripening than in the Wairau, which is all important for flavour development and ripe acidity. The wines from this sub-region tend to be more restrained in their youth but have great texture, structure and longevity. Our home block, the warmer days of the Wairau Valley and a bigger diurnal range. These climatic factors combined with our clay loam soil here, results in wines which have great texture and fleshiness and are characterised by riper tropical notes with stone-fruit with a lovely line of minerality.
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 release shows distinctive Awatere characters of guava, white currant, and elderflower coupled with lovely ripe passionfruit & tropical notes and hints of basil and lime from the Wairau fruit. These follow through to the palate – which is fine and soft with loads of fleshy fruit balanced by a ripe, juicy acidity and lingering minerality. There is real fruit weight here and that is complimented by lovely texture from the time on lees and the barrel parcels – It is utterly delicious!
Reviews
Shanteh Wale, Wine Companion – 95 Points
80/20% Awatere/Wairau Valley fruit; 10% goes into oak for ferment. Blackberry leaf, Thai basil and yellow guava. Blueberry flesh, fennel and chalk. The palate is weighted with ripe passionfruit, nectarine and honeysuckle. This is ripe and rich. It’s densely packed and acidity trots in line, enabling a long, slippery finish. A hint of celery salt and raw cashew on the finish with a smattering of lacey skin texture. Lots of value here, for the price tag, and a memorable wine
Stephen Wong MW – 93 Points Top Value Top Rank
Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has been through a few ups and downs over the years, but sometimes the stars align. Here, we have a very good sauvignon Blanc vintage for the region, excellent grape quality from conscientious farming drawing from different sub regions, a highly talented winemaker who knows how to craft a classic district blend with flourish and a remarkably good-valued price tag. Interesting nose combining some ripe savoury tomato aromas with blackcurrant in the background. Quite distinctive with bay leaf and cranberry. Bright and fruity, a lovely long line of acidity on the palate with a sustained, evolving finish which flits between mineral, ripe red fruit and wild strawberry stalks. Very interesting, carefully made, and with a clearly good fruit which is an elevated version of Sauvignon. Light, crisp, dry and interesting. More of this please!
Cameron Douglas MS – 94 Points
A delicious expression of SB with a just satin touch on the palate before the acidity, fresh herbs and core fruits flavours kick-in. Grapefruit and crisp apple, fresh basil and sage, a refreshing wet-stone mineral seam all accentuated by the acid line and mouthfeel overall. There’s a tangerine quality to the fruit spectrum showcasing vineyard and perhaps a signature of the TWR style. Delicious, fresh, salivating and dry. A wine best enjoyed from 2024 through 2029.
James Suckling – 92 Points
Aromas tropical punch, lime cordial and faint white flowers followed by tarragon and green bell peppers. Medium-bodied with brisk acidity. Expressive and aromatic yet balanced. From organically grown grapes.
Bob Campbell MW – 94 Points
Rich, weighty sauvignon with gooseberry, passionfruit, lime zest, and lemon curd flavours. Intense, bright wine with impressive purity and power.
Rebecca Gibb MW Vinous – 90 Points
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is friendly, fresh, and fruity. It welcomes you with its sweet tropical fruit – guava and mango – alongside subtle note of green herbs and silvery hints of elderflower that speak of the Awatere Valley (80% of the fruit is sourced from there) Juicy and round with curved edges and textural interest, potentially down to a portion of old-barrel ferment, this is a classic yet cleverly composed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Drinking window: 2024 – 2027
Metro Magazine – Top Wines of 2024