Smith & Sheth Cru Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Smith & Sheth CRU Wairau Sauvignon Blanc brings a polished, textural take on Marlborough Sauvignon, with lime, passionfruit and nectarine joined by blackcurrant leaf, a savoury mineral edge and refreshing saline acidity. Fruit from mature vines around Renwick and selected Wairau Valley parcels gives this more than simple tropical exuberance, with stony texture and genuine palate weight adding interest. It is bright and energetic but nicely composed, making it a smart choice for Sauvignon drinkers after a little extra detail. Excellent alongside fresh seafood, shellfish or snapper crudo.

What the winery says:

The 2023 is sourced from mature vines on the stony soils around Renwick, blended with selected parcels from the Wairau Valley and harvested between 30 March and 9 April. A combination of hand-picked and machine-picked fruit was fermented primarily in stainless steel, with small portions fermented in oak fuders. After blending, the wine spent three months on full lees to build mid-palate texture. The winery describes melon, pineapple, lemon-lime citrus and floral passionfruit, finishing with a stony impression and refreshing salty acidity. Alcohol is 13%, and the wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 93 Points (2023)
"The fruit is harmonious, gently integrated with crisp acidity, and flows with stony minerals to a sustained finish."