Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Clear, brilliant and crystalline, Estate Sauvignon Blanc appears spun from bright golden light. Lime, passionfruit, guava, and honey-dew melon leap from the glass in this powerful statement of New Zealand’s famous sauvignon blanc expression. Beyond, the palate is rich, layered and juicy. A moreish acidity runs the length of this wine, all the way though to its mouth-watering finish. Deliciousness redefined, Estate Sauvignon Blanc has arrived.

James Suckling 93: Clear and vivid, this has a floral character of lilacs and honeysuckle as well as hints of crushed stones. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and sliced apples and pears. Mineral undertones. Green melon at the end. Very subtle and flavorful. Aged on the lees in stainless steel. Lovely depth of fruit here. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast 93: Lemon-lime sorbet leads on this heady Hawke's Bay Sauvy B, the pineapple, fennel and green herbal notes following just behind. It's bright and fresh with lovely texture to juxtapose the crisp acidity, flavor concentration and a long finish. Up a good notch from your average SB.

Wine Advocate 94: The 2025 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc leads with notes of cassis, white currant and passion fruit, alongside hints of white pineapple and yellow guava. A highly detailed approach to viticulture at Te Mata enables smaller, more selective harvest picks, contributing to the precision and detail evident in the finished wine. The palate here is soft and textural yet also restrained and persistent, with impressive length and a distinctly mouthwatering acidity. Fermentation was managed with approximately 200 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) retained in tank, while different yeast strains were employed across individual vineyard blocks to enhance complexity and site expression. This is very good. Sealed under screw cap.

James Suckling 93: Aromas of melon, pears and lotus flowers follow through to a medium body with crunchy fruit and a crisp and delicious finish. Lots of Meyer lemon character at the end. Bone dry. Bring on the oysters. Drink now.