It seems that New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have taken the road of Californian Pinot Noir and, before that, Merlot. Due to its popularity and increased demand, production had to be rushed to keep up. With many players hopping on these bandwagons, quality has taken a back seat, and what we are left with is a lot of cheap Sauvignon Blanc, high in grapefruit acid and low on complexity and balanced flavors. Happy for us; not all New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are created equal, and some of the OG wineries are here to remind us why they are so good.

Established in 1994 and named after the landmark Wither Hills range that borders the vineyards, the estate was one of the pioneers of Marlborough wine culture and remains one of the top five Marlborough Wine brands in New Zealand today. Their vineyards are strategically sited throughout the Wairau Valley sub-region of Marlborough, producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir – varietals that are well-suited to this type of terroir. Their state-of-the-art winery incorporates both innovation and tradition in its winemaking, such as traditional basket press for Noir. They are committed to sustainability through Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand certification, local conservation initiatives, and organic farming practices. Their hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail ensure the wines are crafted beautifully, just like the Turangawaewae setting (Maori for "place where we stand").

At Wither Hills, the philosophy has always been to create fine wines from truly exceptional vineyards. As a testament to this, the winery has been committed to producing Marlborough wines with a real sense of place since it was founded in 1994. Since its inception, Wither Hills has been home to a small team of committed winemakers led by head winemaker Matt Large, a local winemaker who sources grapes from both their estate vineyards and partner growers in the Wairau Valley, where a variety of microclimates shape wines with intensity and body—currently farming 1,000 vineyard acres spread across Marlborough. The winery and vineyards are all certified sustainable, with their key vineyards (Rarangi and Taylor River) being farmed organic.

Rarangi (400 acres)

Where the delicate sea breeze cools the vines, Rarangi Vineyard combines a spectacular site situated ¼ of a mile from the coastline, interlaced with native wetlands and a unique mixture of soils – pea gravels to uplifted seabed. Rarangi is also home to the Wetlands Conservation Project, which planted over 5,000 native plants in the wetlands​. One season, the water table rose so high that Klaus Pol, the Rarangi vineyard manager of 23 years, "resorted to pruning vines in a boat." These vines are the "backbone" of the Sauvignon Blanc blend –minerality, sea salt, and lime.

Taylor River (235 acres)

Where the vines drink from the river that carves through the valley, Taylor River Vineyard, situated directly behind the Wither Hills winery, is planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Non-irrigated site - vines' water source is from the Taylor River (its namesake); the site comprises an old river bed, silt, and clay loam, which provides great structure to their wines.

Vineyards were harvested at optimum flavor ripeness. The fruit from each vineyard was kept separate throughout the winemaking process to ensure the integrity of each site and to provide the greatest possible blending combinations.



The fruit was gently pressed, clarified, and cool fermented with selected yeast strains to enhance its uniqueness, aromatics, and flavors.

The 2023 season was characterized by moderately mild temperatures and average rainfall. Fewer frost events than normal were certainly welcomed by the viticultural team. Budburst and flowering were later, despite Marlborough having slightly above average Growing Degree Days. Above average yields and exceptional quality across all varietals, with Sauvignon Blanc being the standout.

Distinctly Marlborough with vibrant aromatics of lime, peach, nectarine, and passionfruit with a subtle hint of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The palate is refined and elegant, with a juicy core of guava, citrus zest, and sea salt. The finish is dry with the perfect balance of fruit flavors, acid, and minerality.

Wither Hills 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is great value at $20. Produced from sustainably grown grapes from the Marlborough wine region, this wine is dry, medium-bodied, elegant, and expressive with yellow apple, lime zest, tropical fruit, and fine herb aromas and flavors mouth-wateringly satisfying on the palate. So good now! Natalie Maclean 92 pts

This offers the classic profile of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in a less aggressive style. Aromas of dried herbs, capsicum, and tropical fruit are expressive but not pungent, and the edge of citrus acidity that amps up the flavors and energizes the finish isn't too sharp. Tasting Panel 91 pts

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2023

When gathering up the wine geeks to taste this wine, the conversation turned to why we are disappointed with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. SB’s in this price point are always thin with highly potent grapefruit-and-acid to the face which quickly leads to palate fatigue. We were delighted to find this was not the case with Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was more mellow in its citrus fruit, which makes it more versatile with food, and the quality is absolutely there. Aromas of Pomelo and summer squash flowers. A nicely textured wine with ripe lime, cucumber, minerals, balanced by good acid, but not the aggressive type. Some thought it tasted like a Tzatziki sandwich, which is a Greek dish of salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. This wine, unlike so many other New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, makes you want that second glass that eventually leads to a second bottle. This wine will make you fall in love with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s again. And at this special price, it is less money than most of its peers—the perfect Porch Pounder.

Regular Price: $13.99

*Sale Price is on 12 bottle purchase

 Wine is packed in a 12-bottle case

*Wine pricing for these wine promotions are held for two weeks after the email offer.

We can hold wines in unpaid reserves for two weeks to allow you time to pick up your wine. If it takes you longer than that to pick up your wines, give us a call, and we can process your wine and move it to paid reserves.

Place your order now with the store contacts above, while you've got all the information at your fingertips.

Cheers!

John Hannum,

Fine & Rare Wine Specialist

Attleboro

628 Washington St.

Norwood

942 Providence Hgwy.

Sturbridge

376 Main Street.

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207 Swansea Mall Dr.

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