Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Lydia Martin
New Zealand has diverse soil compositions and innovative winemaking methods that truly mark their Sauvignon Blanc’s character.
Since I wanted to rely on something other than text or hearsay in finding the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, we did a series of tastings, savoring the New Zealand wines, assessing their fine distinction.
Top 10 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bottles To Sip
1. Marlborough Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Average Price: Roughly $19.95 (Natalie Maclean)
Alcohol Content: 13% (ABV)
Nose: Ripe citrus with lime zest freshness
Palate: Vibrant grapefruit, guava, and herbal undertones
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: The Marlborough Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2015 has a vibrant and clean profile that captures the essence of New Zealand’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc grape.
New Zealand wine captivates and delights palates worldwide.” -Liquor Laboratory
The aromatic intensity of grapefruit and guava on the nose translates beautifully to my palate, and the intense flavors bring this wine to life.
The white wine boasts an interplay of tasting notes, creating a satisfying experience.
2. Clos Henri 2020 Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $24 (Tasting House)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% (ABV)
Nose: Lime leaf, pineapple rind, grapefruit, oyster shell, white spice.
Palate: Crisp acidity, chalky texture, pithy fruit interplay.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc left an indelible mark on my taste buds. As I explored this wine, I caught whiffs of lime leaf, pineapple rind, and grapefruit.
The tanginess and the smooth, creamy texture were something to savor.
3. Astrolabe 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $18.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% (ABV)
Nose: Hints of lemon blossom, dried ginger, white pepper, and lemongrass.
Palate: Bursting flavors of peach, mango, melon, and passion fruit.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: I’ve had the privilege to experience firsthand the Astrolabe 2020 Sauvignon Blanc.
When I pour it into a glass, it boasts the scents of lemon blossom, white pepper, and lemongrass.
The peach, mango, refreshing melon, and passion fruit impressed my palate.
4. Sileni Estates Satyr Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Fine Wine Delivery)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% (ABV)
Nose: Crab apple, tangerine, and melon
Palate: Passion fruit, green apple, white peach, and acidity
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The Sileni Estates Satyr Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is a testament to the artistry of winemaking. As a wine enthusiast, the vintage wine has impressed me.
My palate is filled with high acidity, tropical fruit, crab apple, tangerine, and melon. Unlike other white wines, it has a refreshing finish, and vegetarian dishes and goat cheese are its perfect accompaniment (food pairings).
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5. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Average Price: Roughly $14.95 (Dan Murphy’s)
Alcohol Content: 13.4% (ABV)
Nose: Passion fruit, lime, and peach
Palate: Burst of citrus, stone fruit, with vibrant freshness.
Star Rating:★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The refreshing wine delivers an interplay of passionfruit, lime, and peach, which are notable in every sip.
The wine is complemented by a vibrant freshness and the citrus fruit delights every sip. For more wine option, the company makes rose and sparkling wine [1].
6. Wairau River 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $17.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13% (ABV)
Nose: Ripe fruits and citrus
Palate: Bright acidity from lemon, tropical fruit, and passion fruit flavors
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The Wairau River 2021 Sauvignon Blanc has intense aromas of ripe tropical fruits and citrus on the nose. Upon tasting, the delightful presence of guava and stone fruit is remarkable.
7. Middle-Earth 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $20.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13% (ABV)
Nose: Herbal character, black currant leaf, and dried herbal
Palate: Subtle citrus, stone fruit; dry and crisp
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: I am captivated by its unique herbal essence. The aromas of black currant leaves, nettles, and dried herbal notes create a distinct profile that stands out.
The palate reveals a delicate interplay between subtle citrus and stone fruit notes while maintaining a crisp and dry character. But what’s the best wine region in California?
8. Rubus 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $20.99 (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% (ABV)
Nose: Gooseberry, lemongrass, boxwood, and fresh celery
Palate: Dry with juicy gooseberry and refreshing medium body.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Rubus 2021 is one of the great wines with gooseberry, lemongrass, boxwood, and floral aromas that evoke a refreshing sensation.
On my palate, juicy gooseberry and citrus flavors shine within a medium body that refreshes the senses. The tart yet soft lingering finish adds to its charm.
9. Lobster Reef 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $13.99 (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% (ABV)
Nose: Tropical allure – guava, pineapple, and concentrated mango.
Palate: Acidity, generous guava, pineapple, and mango flavors.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The aromatic symphony of guava, pineapple, and mango on the nose offers an inviting tropical allure.
As a wine lover, I immediately notice the high acidity on the palate, complementing the generous and concentrated flavors of guava, pineapple, and mango.
10. Duck Hunter 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% (ABV)
Nose: Fresh tropical lemongrass, ripe melon with chamomile accents.
Palate: Bright tropical fruit, lemongrass, ripe melon.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Unlike other New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, Duck Hunter offers vibrancy shines through with fresh tropical, lemongrass, and ripe melon flavors, creating an expressive profile.
“Wines from here will become world famous,” -Frank Yukich, Founder of Mountana Wines
It is a great wine that showcases a harmonious blend of flavor profiles.
*Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product’s quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and enjoyment were evaluated.
FAQs Related to Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
What are some of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines available?
Some of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines include Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, and Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc.
Why is Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc often considered a top choice?
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its vibrant acidity, intense tropical fruit flavors, and distinctive minerality. Its crisp, refreshing taste and consistent quality make it a favorite among Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts.
What sets Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc apart as a great option?
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc stands out for its lively citrus and tropical fruit aromas, balanced acidity, and smooth finish. It offers excellent value for its quality and is widely accessible.
Can you recommend a specific vintage of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc in the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc category?
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc consistently delivers exceptional quality across vintages. Look for recent releases for optimal freshness and fruit expression.
Are there other notable producers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc worth exploring?
Yes, producers like Saint Clair Family Estate, Spy Valley, Dog Point Vineyard, and Nobilo are also renowned for their high-quality Sauvignon Blanc wines, offering distinct regional expressions.
What regions in New Zealand are known for producing top-quality Sauvignon Blanc wines?
Marlborough is the most famous region for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for its distinctive terroir and optimal growing conditions. However, other regions such as Hawke’s Bay and Nelson also produce excellent examples.
Final Say
With vibrant aromas, lively acidity, and a harmonious balance of fruit and freshness, New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to the country’s winemaking excellence.
With all the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs in the market, Marlborough Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is a remarkable wine.
The vibrant acidity adds a refreshing zest to the wine, while subtle chamomile undertones and a spice touch create a nuanced complexity.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine/France
- https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/may/07/how-the-world-fell-in-love-with-sauvignon-blanc
