Waiata Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Sauvignon Blanc from the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Sold by the six-pack.

Tasting note

Pale green gold. A mouthwatering mix of passionfruit, blackcurrant and citrus flavours with hints of crushed herbs, a delicious example of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaking

The fruit came in in outstanding condition after a hot, dry summer, with moderate yields across all blocks. Each block was picked in the cool early hours of the morning to keep the bright aromatics and freshness. The free-run juice was kept apart from the pressings for a more refined wine, then cold settled and fermented cool, at 13 to 15°C, to hold the aroma and flavour of each block. The wine rested on its lees for about a month to build texture, then was blended in June.

Vintage conditions

The 2023/2024 season saw a swing back to El Niño. The first half was dominated by strong winds, with big day-to-day swings in temperature and rain at critical times, which meant fewer and smaller bunches than normal. Settled, warm weather arrived in the new year, and a dry end to the season let us leave the fruit on the vines until it reached full ripeness.

The detail

Region: 100% Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaker: Alastair Maling MW
Maturation: 100% stainless steel fermentation
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity (TA): 8.2 g/L
Residual sugar: 3.9 g/L
When to enjoy: Drinking well now and will continue to develop for a further five years from vintage

What the critics said

94 points, 5 stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2024

"Pristine and intensely aromatic, the enticing bouquet shows Granny Smith apple, fresh fig, lemon/lime zest and jasmine aromas, followed by a concentrated palate offering fleshy texture backed by bright acidity, finishing superbly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2027."