Black Cottage Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Black Cottage Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, polished Marlborough take on the variety, layering feijoa, guava, elderflower, currant and wet stone over a juicy lime-zest palate. The style is fresh and focused rather than shouty, with lively acidity and a little extra texture from time on lees. Black Cottage is the project of founder Dave Clouston and winemaker Sanna Stander, based beside Marlborough's Ōpaoa River. It's an easy bottle to reach for when you want classic regional lift with a tidier, more refined shape. Serve it well chilled with charcoal-grilled fish and a herb-heavy chimichurri, or fresh green-lip mussels.

What the winery says:

For 2025, Black Cottage says a cool summer allowed the fruit to ripen gently and evenly, building concentrated, distinctive flavours while preserving freshness. The wine was cool-fermented in stainless steel to maximise fruit purity and varietal character, then aged on lees for two months for added texture and complexity. Their tasting note highlights feijoa, elderflower, guava, currant and wet stone, followed by juicy lime zest and an elegant, refined, focused mouthfeel.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 93/100 (2025)
“Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is gently full, with aromas of gooseberry, lime, guava, elderflower and fresh herb.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 92/100, Premium (2025)
“Vibrant and enticing bouquet of fresh pink grapefruit and tropical fruits, there’s a mix of fresh herb of basil then wet stone.”