te Pa, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2019

 For nearly 25 years, New Zealand winemakers have carved out a global corner of the market with their Sauvignon Blanc’s uniquely bright acidity, memorable flavors, and refreshing style.  Their overwhelming success has winemakers exploring other styles.  Te Pā’s Sauvignon Blanc is nuanced, being both recognizable but uniquely different from the norm.  Their Sauvignon Blanc shows oak aging, clear minerality, and presents burnt pineapple and charred grapefruit notes.  The wine’s use of oak pushes the envelope for Marlborough and is a welcomed winemaking stylistic choice that adds to complexity.  For me, the high quality is readily apparent with each sip.  While the classic styles are still prominent, I hope to see further diversity and experimentation as Marlborough continues to evolve as a region.