2018 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon, Marlborough

‘This has a clever, complex nose, offering aromas of gunflint, herbs and lime peel with a grassy edge. The palate has a very textural and layered feel with rich peach and pear flavors that lead to a dry, satisfyingly long, tropical-laced finish.’ 94 Points, Nick Stock, JAMESSUCKLING.COM

‘If you want to be wild and do it with Sauvignon, I can't think of a better place to start. This cuvée undertakes a long, slow, indigenous fermentation in barrel and the result is a really smart, textural style. This is not a shy wine: it's funky with top notes of vivacious violets and a savory undertow of oatmeal. As much as two-thirds of this wine undergoes the malolactic conversion, so there's also a subtle creamy element on the fine but firm finish.’ 92 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW, VINOUS.COM

Variety:  Sauvignon Blanc 
Vintage:  2018
Country:  New Zealand
Region:  Marlborough
Alcohol:  13.5%

Greywacke generally aims for riper fruit from lower-yielding vineyards, something which Judd believes sets them apart from other winemakers in the region. “We also use a large amount of wild fermentation which we believe enhances the floral, savoury and spice characters in our wine,” he explains. Their Pinor noir is sourced exclusively from hillside vineyards in the Southern Valleys – the difference in their wines coming from the variation in soil. “The soil is heavier (wind-blown loess clay over gravels) and coupled with the north-facing exposure and vine age (15-20 years old), the wines display rich, dark-fruit with fragrance, spice and silky tannins reflective of the site.”