Not many Sauvignon Blancs at these sorts of dollars taste as good as this. The 2023 Durvillea shows the Awatere influence with a crunchy red currant leaf character showing through the lusher tropicals and citrus. The hall marks of excellent balance, texture and length hark back to its Astrolabe origins and reflect the quality and care that goes into this wine too. For the money, it's a no brainer!
Simon Waghorn, Winemaker
"Along our shores holding fast to the rocks at low tide is the seaweed Durvillea, named after the captain of the Astrolabe, Dumont D’Urville. For me this seaweed defines the ruggedness of our rocky coast.The Durvillea Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes harvested at precisely the right moment to preserve the purity and intensity of flavour in my winemaking.
Aromas of gooseberries, white and black currants, lime peel and grapefruit. The palate is medium-bodied with lime, gooseberry and citrus flavours, minerally texture and a long crisp finish."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"Priced right, the light lemon/green 2021 vintage was grown in the Southern Valleys (39 per cent), Kekerengu (39 per cent), and the Awatere Valley (22 per cent). Punchy and herbaceous, it is strongly varietal, with melon and green capsicum-like flavours, fresh, crisp and fully dry. (From Astrolabe)."
92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2020 (2020 Vintage)
"Bright, fresh, fruity, varietal and classic with aromas and flavours of lemon and fresh apple, green pear and tropical fruits. The fresh herbs layer adding complexity and fine mineral moments adding depth. Crisp and dry on the finish with pure citrus and tree fruits flavours wrapped in garden herbs. Drink now and through 2023."
91/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, December 2020 (2020 Vintage)
"Fresh, punchy sauvignon blanc with typical passionfruit, guava, gooseberry and capsicum (red and green) flavours. Plenty of flavour and good acidity with a silken texture. Good value at this price."