Pale straw color; grapefruit, passionfruit, peach, lemon, honeydew melon, white nectarine on the nose and palate.
Dry; classic Marlborough sauv blanc. Clean, fresh in the mouth, inviting mouthfeel. Excellent acidity (3.10 pH). Excellent concentration. Light-medium body. This review is very similar to tasting notes from my review of the 2021 version of this wine. Slightly less alcohol, slightly more acidity. Good sauv blanc is grown many places and for many years. New Zealand sets the world standard today. 12.5% ABV
Wairau River Winery is distinctly a family affair. Phil and Chris Rose grew lucerne (alfalfa) until it became unprofitable in the oil crisis of the early 1970s. They believed their holdings, especially along the banks of the Wairau River, were excellent for grapes. They fought local authorities for permission to plant a vineyard for two years, and finally gained permission in 1978. They grew grapes for contract until they decided to make wine themselves in 1991. They are clear pioneers in the Marlborough sauv blanc success story.
Today, son Hamish Rose is the grape grower. Son Sam Rose is the winemaker. Daughter Pip Rose runs the acclaimed Wairau River Restaurant and Cellar Door, a major tourism destination. The website has entertaining videos about all the family members. And a note that there are a dozen grandchildren who may keep the family business going strong for a third generation.
The Wairau River is one of the longest rivers in New Zealand’s South Island, flowing 110 miles from the Spenser Mountains to into Cook Straight at Cloudy Bay. The name comes from native Māori people. It translates as “many waters.” It is the principal river in the Marlborough wine region.
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2023 is salad-in-a-glass, easy drinker even with classic excellent acidity (3.10 pH) found in most New Zealand/Marlborough sauv blancs. Delightful texture, very flavorful, excellent fruit. Pair with shellfish, shrimp; white fish; barbecue chicken salad with sweet chili sauce (makers recommendation); garden salads; vegetarian fare. Cheese—goat cheese is the classic sauv blanc pairing; cheddar, gouda, havarti, monterey jack, parmesan, swiss, muenster. $15-20
Wairau River Wines website, visit the superb videos and podcast
