Smith & Sheth CRU Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2019

When someone asks ‘does Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc age’ I usually say ‘no it doesn’t’. Because let’s face it, the joy of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is in its sheer youthful exuberance. It has an unapologetically vivid, full throttle personality that shouts ‘drink me NOW!’. And once this starts to fade, as the wines age, a little of the magic disappears.

But I suspect this 2019 Smith & Sheth Wairau Sauvignon Blanc never shouted anything. Instead it has chosen to be quietly powerful, a carefully crafted wine whose appeal lies in its depth of flavour. With a little time in bottle, and thanks to having density and concentration, there are strongly textural white nectarine and grapefruit flavours harnessed by a delightful stony, mineral edge that lifts the palate.   A really super wine.