Wither Hills 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand ($16)

 

 

New Zealand's reputation for making excellent and affordable Sauvignon Blanc is well-deserved, and the consistency with which this South Pacific island delivers it is just phenomenal. It does not tend to be overly complicated, the fruit is simply outstanding, and the complexity that they are able to coax out of this variety in their cool, maritime climate is just uncanny. To wit: the 2024 Wither Hills, which when thoroughly chilled comes across as pretty straightforward with nice grapefruit and grass notes, but as it warms a bit in the glass it explodes with pineapple, guava, lemongrass, kiwi fruit, and lime zest notes. It is clean, refreshing, and glorious. It clocks in at a Total Acidity (TA) of 7.4, which would be extraordinarily high by American standards, and has a modest 3 grams/liter of residual sugar, which is perfect for balancing that high acid. This is a masterfully made wine and a tremendous value. (93 Points)

- Tim Teichgraeber 

Wither Hills 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand ($15)

 American wine drinkers have spoken, and they like Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It's easy to see why. Kiwi Sauv Blanc is almost always technically well made, unoaked, and zesty. The quality is excellent for the money, and if you're willing to spend more, New Zealand makes some pretty exotic stuff! This entry-level wine from Wither Hills is straightforward and direct, with pure, grass, sweet green pea, grapefruit, lime zest and white pepper notes. It's a perfectly summery release at a great price. Highly recommended. (90 Points)

-Tim Teichgraeber