Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Wairau Valley, Marlborough, NZ)
Screwcap, $25, 13%
Winery Website

You could call Goldwater a pioneer of sorts, pioneering the way for many winemakers to add a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. I wonder if they realised 15 years ago just how big the phenomenon would grow to be…. Oh and this won trophies at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Pungent, intense & traditional Marlborough Sauv aromatics, with the love it or hate it, gooseberry and cat pee/asparagus nose that was once the hallmark of Marlborough Sauv (before the machine harvesting and overcropping). I much prefer this style of nose. It’s a no bullshit, this is how you do it aromatic explosion of Savviness.

On the palate, the trophy winning intensity continues, with a long, fiercely acidic, herbal, citrussy, methoxypyrazine laden palate of wonderful rippling power, uncompromising in its power and expression. Again, its a full on style of Marlborough Sauv (which I like), that will divide opinions, but is absolutely true to its origins. What’s more, compared to many of the weak, washed out and tropical 08’s, this is still full of freshness, with none of the dull tinned pea early development of so many from this Marlborough vintage.

Brilliant wine and thoroughly deserving of its trophies. Good value too. 18.6