Rohe means "territory" in Māori, and the differences created by soils, micro-climates and sub-regions are things that get winemakers across the region (and hopefully consumers) excited. Plenty to excite you here.
2024 Rohe by Rapaura Springs Blind River Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Classic gooseberry and
cut grass lead, hints of
gum and tropical fruits
adding to the nose, wisps
of feijoa later. Lovely
concentration and with
its balance and
integration it manages
elegance rather than just
"in your face". Red apple
comes into play,
delightful juiciness and a
super-long, citrus-
flecked close. The
flavours hang in the
mouth. Smart wine.
2024 Rohe by Rapaura Springs Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Attractive pungency,
grassiness, passionfruit,
feijoa, even citrus and
pepper touches. A spicy
quality here, akin to
sweet liquorice, yet
classic herbal qualities
grow as well. The palate
doesn’t jump out of the
blocks, more a stayer
that quietly builds length
and depth as it takes on
air. A little Rose’s lime
cordial aspect adds to the
fruit sweetness on the
close.
2024 Astrolabe Province Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Excellent
Ripe fruit initially hints at
grilled pineapple and
mango, parting to allow
grassy/herbal notes to
shine, citrus, nettle and
apple later. Texturally it’s
youthfully taut with a
chalky/fruit pithy
element adding to the
crisp, dry finish. A sense
of tension, now flaunting
cut grass and capsicum
as the palate fleshes out
with air. Refreshing,
complex, you want
another glass of this.
2023 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Very Good to Excellent
No mistaking the variety,
classically pungent,
gooseberry, grass, feijoa
and sweat. The palate
continues that journey
— tangy, piquant,
salivatory and lip-
smacking with good
flavour depth and a
nicely dry close.
Develops capsicum,
apple and snow pea
flavours. Feels like there’s
a touch of development
here, picking up a
fascinating bittersweet
note on the finish.
2023 The Marlborist Grande Sauvignon
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
A different feel here,
smoky, brambly,
nettles, a sense of
purity, citrus, tending
more tropical than
grassy. Great texture
and latent power, some
oak influence here,
elegance, a fine, linear
quality. Peach, grass
and pea-pod dance on
the palate which now
shows real grip and
intent, ticking different
boxes. Don’t expect
typical Marl SB, this is
a wine drinker’s wine.
2024 Rohe by Rapaura Springs Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Excellent
Back to a classically
proportioned, bright,
zesty, pungent nose of
gooseberry and cut
grass. Depth, richness
and great generosity
of flavour adding hints
of spice to the
equation. Lovely and
tingly, vibrant with a
lip-smacking quality
that begs another
glass. Excellent depth,
length and complexity
with the flavours
building on the close.
