AFTER CHALLENGING vintages in both 2017 and 2018, some sunshine-infused relief graced New Zealand’s vineyards in 2019 with superb quality reported from vineyards throughout the country. For our nation’s hero grape, sauvignon blanc, this year less was more. Although a smaller vintage – down 1 per cent on last year, which was itself a small vintage – the calibre is touted as exceptional. Sauvignon’s spiritual home of Marlborough enjoyed a long, hot, dry summer and as a result, an early harvest ensued. Despite the early pick, the fruit quality was excellent and achieved optimal fleshy ripeness. The result in the glass is powerfully aromatic sauvignon blancs with great flavour concentration and ripe, juicy acidity shining through. No question, this year sauvignon lovers will be spoilt for choice. High quality and lower quantity however, makes for obvious supply-anddemand pressures. I recommend picking up our top choices sooner rather than later.

TASTING PANEL For this tasting panel, Ben Glover, owner and head winemaker for Zephyr Wines in Marlborough and internationally renowned wine judge, was joined by two experienced and talented winemakers: Jo Gear, owner and head winemaker for One Block Wines and David Roper, Auckland winemaker for Villa Maria.