Te Mata Estate Te Mata Sauvignon Blanc 2023 750ml

The 2022 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been fully tank fermented, no solids, but it was left on the lees post-ferment for texture. There are notes of cheesecloth, pineapple lumps, Pink Lady apples and saline acidity. It’s fleshy, with preserved citrus, juicy acidity and plenty of brine, then sugar snap peas, Nashi pears and a hint of guava/lychee. The fruit was sourced totally from the estate vineyards in Hawkes Bay; Havelock Hills, Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor. 12.7% alcohol.

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a zesty, bright style with a delicate spritz providing extra liveliness. This is Hawke's Bay, so the acidity is not as racy as you'd find in Marlborough, but it's still plentiful and some C02 gives extra pizzazz. Flavor-wise, it favors the tropical fruit spectrum of Sauvignon Blanc but also shows a hint of nettle greens that reflects its variety. While light in body, there is some richness in terms of mid-palate weight, which winemaker Phil Brodie suggests comes down to lower cropping. The 2023 is one for enjoying in its zesty youth.<br/><br/>

Lime, ginger and yuzu flavors are generous and juicy on a light and zingy frame, while hints of sea salt and lemon verbena linger on the long finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported. (MaryAnn Worobiec)