People can’t get enough of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but with all the no name, bottom end swill that the supermarkets are spitting out on the cheap its hard to pick out the good from the bad. There are several top-notch examples that emanate from Malborough that will make you sit up and take notice showing finesse and complexity. The collection features 3 bottles each which not only have received international acclaim from the worlds leading wine critics but serves to highlight why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is still Australia's top-selling white wine.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2022
3 bottles        Ara Single Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
3 bottles        Framingham Nobodys Hero Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 
3 bottles        Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The result is a wine with a punchier nose than preceding years whilst maintaining the Catalina house style of delivering a textured and rich palate balanced with fruit precision and focus. Aromatically, the wine displays attractive grapefruit and white currant notes, with tropical fruits and crushed herbs in support and a perfectly balanced palate finishing refreshingly long and mouth watering.

Framingham Nobodys Hero Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 
Racy mineral, tensioned and impressive. Not too pungent passionfruit; lemon and salad greens. Dry balance, clean finish. Lean and mineral, crushed rocks: I like this style. Lovely balance and drinkability. A bit Sancerre-ish. Date Tasted: February 2023; Drink: 2023 to 2030; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 94 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Black Cottage Sauvignon Blanc 2023
This is instantly appealing on the nose showing green apple, gooseberry and passionfruit flavours. The palate is very fresh and succulent and is supported by a long juicy finish.

Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Fresh, zingy sauvignon with lime, gooseberry, grapefruit and green capsicum flavours supported by juicy acidity. Intense wine with good varietal and regional/Awatere Valley character. Date Tasted: August 2022; Drink: 2022 to 2025; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 94 Points; Bob Campbell MW