Vavasour Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2026

Description

Dry, Feijoa, Lime

"Upfront and instantly appealing, the bouquet showcases kiwifruit, feijoa, grapefruit, and kaffir lime notes, followed by a concentrated palate offering terrific fruit power and persistence. Wonderfully expressed with a lengthy, delicious finish. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2026

Bursting with green tropical fruit, fresh herbs, snow peas and blackcurrant, with a distinctive Awatere oyster-shell minerality. The palate is generous and concentrated, layered with citrus zest, lush tropical fruit and subtle herbal notes. Bright acidity brings freshness and precision, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Marquee sites in the lower Awatere Valley, are noteworthy for their wide diurnal temperature swings, contributing to strong personality and incredible balance in the wines. Soils are low in fertility with stones and pebbles mixed with clay and loam. The rainfall ranges from 279-406 millimeters (11-16 inches) a year, very arid by any measure. This stonier, drier, cooler & windier pocket of Marlborough, the Awatere Valley, conspires to produce distinctive, complex & intriguing wines.

The 2026 growing season delivered excellent conditions, with a warm, dry spring followed by cool nights and a long, even ripening period. These conditions produced healthy fruit with vibrant flavours and excellent natural acidity. Grapes were selectively harvested at peak ripeness, gently pressed and cool fermented in stainless steel to preserve fresh Sauvignon Blanc aromatics. The wine was then blended and rested on light lees to develop subtle texture before filtration and bottling in winter 2026.

Food Pairing: A versatile match for fresh seafood, soft cheeses, creamy pasta, salads and Asian-inspired, spice-driven dishes.