2024 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

It's finely scented on the nose, showing grapefruit, passionfruit, lemongrass, and oatmeal characters. The palate displays excellent weight and fine flow, splendidly supported by linear mouthfeel and beautifully pitched acidity. Harmonious and structured with a saline texture, finishing persistent and mouth-watering. The wine combines exuberant varietal flavours with fine, mouth-coating textures, making it sensually satisfying.

We’ve been working with Te Whare Ra for well over a decade now, shipping the wines directly from the winery to our warehouse in California, making them one of K&L’s most longstanding relationships. There is one simple reason for this: they remain one of those rare producers that consistently overdelivers at every level possible. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is another example in a long line of releases that demonstrates the incredible value TWR offers, year after year. Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime zest, tart passionfruit and tender green herbs are balanced by a remarkably mineral-driven, saline edge. There’s also an extra degree of texture and complexity that sets TWR far above apart from the sea of inexpensive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, focused acidity gives the wine plenty of energy, while a small portion of barrel fermentation adds a lovely roundness and palate weight without obscuring the vibrant fruit. The finish is long, mouthwatering and remarkably polished, with lingering minerality that is almost reminiscent of its Old World counterparts. This wine is bright, crisp and refreshing as you’d expect, yet substantial enough to pair with a wide variety of foods. And at $19.99, the value is almost impossible to beat. If you’re looking for one of the very best Sauvignon Blancs you can buy for around $20, this should be at the top of your list.