The Marlborist Grande Sauvignon 2023 is an ambitious and distinctive expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from The Marlborist, a boutique New Zealand winery focused on meticulous, low‑intervention winemaking that highlights the region’s diverse terroir and elevates classic varietals beyond the norms of the category. The Marlborist works with fruit from multiple premium sites across Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, Renwick and Awatere sub‑regions, including loess, alluvial and greywacke soils, and employs techniques like wild yeast fermentation and extended oak ageing to craft wines with texture, depth and structural complexity. This 2023 Grande Sauvignon is made from 100 % Sauvignon Blanc that was hand‑ and machine‑harvested, cold‑settled and then fermented entirely with naturally occurring yeasts in a combination of old French oak barrels and puncheons. It matured on lees with occasional stirring and partial malolactic fermentation for around 15 months, giving the wine an unconventional, richer style that balances savoury complexity with lively fruit. In the glass it shows an alluring bouquet of grilled peach, candied pineapple, citrus and elderflower with hints of brioche and briary herbs. The palate is fuller‑bodied and textured for a Sauvignon Blanc, with fruit intensity complemented by subtle oak nuance, fresh acidity and a long, citrus‑infused finish that keeps the wine vibrant and balanced. Critics have praised its rich, polished concentration and structural drive, noting its departure from the classic Marlborough grassy, herbal style toward something more layered and gastronomic. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled prawns, shellfish, lobster salad, creamy risotto, roast chicken with herbs or aromatic Asian dishes, and is equally engaging on its own as a standalone white of complexity and finesse. Why we love this wine? This wine is a delicious and intentional expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc showing what the region is capable of!
