This is one of the finest of all Marlborough Sauvignons and is made by the (rather laid back) guru of Sauvignon Blanc – Kevin Judd – who was Cloudy Bay’s winemaker for over 20 years. Founded in 2009, it is named after the usually grey, decomposed sandstone which characterises a number of the vineyards which are the source for the Sauvignon Blanc berries. The grapes are harvested from various prime vineyard sites in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys and the central Wairau Plains, specifically in Woodbourne, Renwick and Rapaura.2014 was an excellent and very expressive vintage for Sauvignon Blanc. A warm spring and flowering produced excellent fruit set and this was followed by an equally warm and even summer. All the Greywacke grapes were safely harvested, in immaculate condition, either side of the late summer rains.I have tasted every release of Greywacke Sauvignon from the start – and in my view (apart from the challenging 2011 vintage) it has always been up there in the top 10 wines of the vintage. 2014 is no exception. There is a lovely purity and intensity of flavour which is very zesty with notes of pink grapefruit, white nectarine and blackcurrant leaf. Medium bodied, precise and persistent with a lifted citric fruit finish.
An indulgent aperitif, but lovely with simply steamed asparagus served with butter and/or hollandaise; also works well with pan fried white fish served on a bed of ratatouille
Drink now and over the next 2 years.
Nick Adams MW
£17 each
