Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc
β³ Drinking Window
2022 - 2026
π½οΈ Food & Wine Pairings
Freshly shucked oysters, grilled green-lipped mussels, or a classic goat cheese salad.
β¨ Technical Specifications
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, is a cornerstone of New Zealand's modern winemaking legacy. The Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc is a single-vineyard expression originating from a unique site sheltered on the north bank of the Awatere River in Marlborough. Here, the terroir features a mix of stony gravels, silt, and clay soils, combined with a cooler, windier microclimate compared to the neighboring Wairau Valley. This slower ripening period imparts a distinctive mineral edge and intense aromatic profile to the 100% Sauvignon Blanc grape. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant, punchy character, resulting in a classic Marlborough style defined by flinty minerality, fresh herbs, lemongrass, and bright citrus.
πΎ About the Producer
Established in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria evolved from a modest five-acre leased plot in MΔngere, Auckland, into one of New Zealand's foremost vinous institutions. Acquired by Indevin Group in 2021, the estate continues its legacy of regional and stylistic breadth, sourcing exceptional fruit from premier microclimates across Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and Auckland. Viticultural operations emphasize environmental stewardship as a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, complemented by dedicated organic vineyard blocks. Production is delineated into tiers ranging from accessible Private Bin and Cellar Selection expressions to vineyard-designated benchmarks like the Seaspray and Southern Clays Sauvignon Blancs, alongside cellar-worthy Gimblett Gravels Bordeaux blends and single-vineyard Chardonnays. The winemaking team balances modern temperature-controlled stainless steel ferments for pristine aromatic vibrancy with targeted French oak maturation and lees contact for texturally layered, terroir-precise bottlings.
π Grapes
100% Sauvignon Blanc