ROHE Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2026

ROHE Blind River Sauvignon Blanc is a distinctly coastal take on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, drawn from the cool, dry and windswept Blind River sub-region on Marlborough’s southern edge. The 2026 shows restrained but expressive notes of lemongrass, passionfruit, blackcurrant leaf, fresh snow pea, gooseberry and basil, backed by impressive palate weight and a fine chalky texture. Mouth-watering acidity carries everything into a long, citrusy finish with a savoury saline edge. It has plenty of freshness, but also more texture and presence than your average Marlborough Sav. Excellent with green-lipped mussels, fresh fish or a summery seafood platter.

What the winery says:

ROHE means territory, and Rapaura Springs created the range to highlight the differences between Marlborough’s sub-regions. Blind River sits on Marlborough’s southern coast and is particularly cool, dry and exposed to wind, with free-draining soils combining stone and clay. Across the 2026 vintage, cooler February conditions slowed ripening before fine, dry early autumn weather allowed fruit to reach full maturity while retaining acidity. The finished wine is dry, with 13.5% alcohol, and combines concentrated fruit, freshness, palate richness and a long, saline citrus finish.

What the experts say

Cameron Douglas MS, 92 Points (2025 Vintage)
"Vibrant, youthful and fruity core with classic tropical fruits frame showing passionfruit then peach and citrus, a grapefruit and citrus peel and apple. Crisp and dry, there's a crunchy fresh mouthfeel with a backbone of acidity and fine lees complexity framing flavours of fresh orchard and tropical fruits, a touch of herb and stony mineral qualities. Best drinking from 2025 through 2027."