The Hermit Ram Salty White 2024

The Hermit Ram Salty White is a wonderfully unconventional North Canterbury white, blending equal parts Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay into something savoury, floral and unmistakably saline. Expect lemon and orange peel, green herbs and delicate florals, with a hint of tropical fruit and nuttiness adding complexity. The palate is dry, crunchy and mouth-watering, with bright acidity and a textured, lightly oxidative edge. Theo Coles has built Salty White around the idea of capturing New Zealand's coastal character, and this is a great bottle for adventurous drinkers. Try it with oysters, grilled fish, salty cheeses or vegetable dishes with plenty of herbs.

What the winery says:

The 2024 is an equal blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay from North Canterbury. Different portions are handled separately, including whole bunch fermentation and ageing in stainless steel, fermentation and maturation in Spanish amphora, and neutral barrels deliberately left untopped so a layer of flor yeast can develop. Those techniques build the wine's distinctive combination of freshness, texture and savoury complexity, with floral and herbal aromas, citrus fruit, orange peel, noticeable acidity and a saline finish. Winemaker Theo Coles describes Salty White as an ode to the New Zealand coastline, bringing together the saline and floral sides of the landscape.

What the experts say:

David Walker Bell, WineFolio, 94 Points (2023)
“Acidity is flowing and direct, and the finish brings together the tones of the wine together as one.”