Tohu Wines, Awatere Valley (Marlborough, New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 Founded in 1998, Tohu Wines is the world’s first Māori owned wine company.  Based in the South Island, Tohu Wines is part of Kono, a Māori, whānau-owned company with more than 4000 owner families.  This 2021 Sauvignon is sourced from four separate vineyards in the Awatere Valley which is cooler, drier and windier than Marlborough’s other sub-regions.  It is definitely a Kiwi Sauvignon but comes across with a distinctive delicate, refreshing and crisp personality.  On the nose it offers lime and sliced green apple with citrus background notes.  The flavors are similar but also offer intriguing Meyer lemon and fresh herbs, all delivered with bright acidity and energy.  Overall, it is much more subtle than your typical Marlborough Sauvignon.  And that’s a good thing!