Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc takes the familiar Marlborough style and gives it a little more polish, texture and detail. Lemongrass, blackcurrant bud and ripe grapefruit lead into lime zest, tropical fruit and a subtle saline edge, with mouth-watering acidity keeping the finish sharp and refreshing. A few months resting on lees brings extra creaminess without taking away from the wine’s natural energy. Nautilus has remained small and family-owned since beginning in Marlborough in 1985, and this is a smart example of its precise, food-friendly approach - particularly handy alongside seafood, fish tacos or fragrant dishes loaded with herbs and chilli.

What the winery says:

The fruit comes from low-yielding vines planted across selected free-draining, stony Marlborough sites. Harvested at night, the grapes are cool fermented in stainless steel using a combination of aromatic and non-Saccharomyces yeasts to build freshness, texture and complexity. Five months on lees adds creaminess and helps integrate the flavours. Intense lemongrass, blackcurrant bud and ripe grapefruit aromas lead into lime zest and a concentrated, mouth-watering palate with a strong textural finish. Vegan friendly.

What the experts say:

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 95/100
“A wonderful rendition, the inviting bouquet shows kiwifruit, green rockmelon, kaffir lime, and jasmine aromas.”

Erin Larkin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94/100
“On the palate, this is crunchy and fresh, laden with passion fruit, green pea, green apple and briny acidity that courses throughout.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 & Excellent
“An excellent wine with varietal power and punch in the bouquet, aromas of fresh pear and cape gooseberry, white pineapple and fresh basil.”