Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Sauvignon Blanc is a distinctive, bone-dry Sauvignon Blanc shaped by the narrow coastal strip between Marlborough’s mountains and the sea. Lime, grapefruit zest and citrus pith meet jasmine tea, fennel and basil, with passionfruit adding a ripe fruit note through the medium-bodied palate. Flinty texture, bright acidity and a briny, savoury finish set it apart from more overtly tropical Marlborough styles. Fruit from two limestone-influenced Kēkerengū vineyards brings intensity and regional character, while a small wild barrel-fermented portion adds subtle texture. Serve chilled with raw oysters, tempura vegetables, delicate white fish or crayfish with lemongrass.

What the winery says:

The Sauvignon Blanc is grown at two vineyards in the Kēkerengū Coast sub-region on Marlborough’s southern coast. The narrow position between sea and mountain creates a strongly maritime climate, while limestone-influenced soils distinguish the area from the Wairau and Awatere valleys. Most of the juice is fermented using neutral yeast strains to preserve its powerful fruit character, with a portion of hand-picked, high-solids juice undergoing wild barrel fermentation to add texture and complexity. The finished wine is medium-bodied and dry, with citrus pith, lime, grapefruit zest, jasmine tea, fennel, basil, passionfruit and flinty, salty notes. It is vegan, Appellation Marlborough Wine certified and produced under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 & Excellent (2025 Vintage)
“Grapefruit and sea spray, apple and lemon, green peach and white flowers.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 96/100 & Outstanding (2024 Vintage)
“A rather fantastic bouquet with layers of salinity and dried herb, spice and ripe citrus fruits.”

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, 95/100 (2023 Vintage)
“Taut, slightly crisp, dry wine with chalky/oyster shell and citrus flavours.”