Smith & Sheth CRU Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2019
- 94
- $30
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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.
Jane began her wine career in London and completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits in 1988, and the Master of Wine in 1993. In 2000 Jane and her family moved to New Zealand where she established the NZ School of Wines and Spirits, teaching WSET qualifications and general wine courses to trade and consumers. Jane is a Certified Educator and whilst most of her time is spent delivering wine courses around New Zealand, she travels internationally to teach too. Jane enjoys judging both national and international wine shows and has been a guest international judge in Rutherglen, Brisbane, Margaret River, Limestone Coast, Cowra, Hobart, Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and London. She contributes to a number of wine publications both in New Zealand and overseas, loves wine in all its forms (especially gewürztraminer, Sherry, Madeira and Champagne), though is not overly fond of cabernet franc.
