We’re not usually the biggest fans of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. But Mike Paterson is Mike Paterson (Corofin)—a very talented grower and maker we respect enormously. This punchy, textured wine was initially made as an exclusive for his UK importer, and when we tried it, we were suitably won over.
This ticks all the right boxes with more texture and interest than the category typically delivers. The fruit also comes from a sustainably farmed vineyard in the southern foothills of the Wairau Valley—very rarely the case for Marlborough Sauvignon! It was hand-harvested into small bins with indigenous yeast fermentation occurring in tank (this approach is even rarer!) The wine was then aged on lees for six-plus months over winter.