Greywacke, Wild Sauvignon 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand
The winemaker behind the Greywacke label is one of New Zealand's most thoughtful and experienced practitioners (and ace photographer), Kevin Judd. I've ammassed a vertical collection of this wine - the Wild Sauvignon, fermented with wild yeasts and partly barrel-fermented - from 2009 to 2013 that I will be tasting and reporting on soon, for this is a Sauvignon Blanc that marches to a different beat. Fermented with wild yeasts and given a very long, slow and natural fermentation in mostly older barrels, it has intriguing nutty and honeyed nuances as well as ripe Ogen melon fruit and a little hint of Sauvignon herbaceousness. On the palate it is savoury and layered, complex flavours underpinned by a grapefruit juicy tang and length, in a powerful yet subtle interpretation of the style. Watch the video for my full review, including much more detail and food matching suggestions. Around £21.50, The Wine Society, AG Wines, Devine Fine Wines and see all retailers on wine-searcher.