MUD HOUSE | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough | 2021
sauvignon blanc

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Today we are going to review a single varietal sauvignon blanc wine from the famous Marlborough region of New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2021 by Mud House. Sauvignon Blanc is a very old grape variety that usually makes crisp, dry, aromatic and herbaceous wines, that are popular all over the world. Sauvignon Blanc translates from french as ‘wild white‘, which is the very essence of this grape variety – the wilderness within. What makes it different from its peers, are those unique herbaceous flavors, reminiscent of green bell pepper, currant leaf, gooseberry and fresh cut grass – all these flavors come from aromatic compounds called pyrazines. Although France is the homeland of this famous grape variety, the world’s most famous sauvignon blanc wines are coming from the opposite side of the earth. New Zealand burst on the international scene in the 1980s with an extravagantly forceful, fruity style of sauvignon blanc and has never looked back. One region, Marlborough, at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island, has set a benchmark for this style, in which bold flavours are thought by some scientists to have been encouraged by the notorious holes in the ozone layer in this part of the world. In these climacteric conditions, sauvignon blanc vines seem particularly at home, especially in the dry gravels of Marlborough, where it produces explosive and herbaceous wines that have set new quality standards ever since. That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: pale pastel yellow color
clarity: bright straw-white hues

//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & explosive
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, the wine displays a captivating fruit character, blending ripe and overripe notes of passion fruit, dragon fruit and yellow pear. These vibrant fruity aromas intertwine harmoniously with notes of fresh-cut grass and lemongrass, creating a lively and invigorating foreground. As the journey continues, hints of currant leaf and lemon emerge, adding a zesty twist to the aromatic profile. The wine’s refreshing nature is further enhanced by undertones of lime, green grapefruit and nettle, lending a vibrant and invigorating quality. This white wine truly captivates the aromatic essence of sauvignon blanc with its herbaceous and genuine expression, making it a delightful choice for any wine enthusiast.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals an enticing interplay of flavors that awaken the taste buds. Its bright acidity dances gracefully, accompanied by the luscious presence of ripe citrus fruits and herbaceous notes that offer a refreshing and invigorating sensation, while the lean and supple structure of the wine ensures a very appealing mouthfeel. With a touch of alcoholic warmth, the wine exudes a subtle depth, enhancing its overall richness, while the crisp aftertaste lingers on the palate, leaving a delightful and memorable tasting experience. This wine is a textbook, New Zealand sauvignon blanc, making it a perfect choice for those who are yet to discover the new world sauvignon blanc wines on a budget and are seeking for a vibrant and explosive wine experience.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this is a refreshingly crisp and expressive sauvignon blanc wine, that offers a rich and slightly opulent experience. Its lean and supple body showcases a vibrant and explosive character that invigorates the senses. With its light and zesty nature, the wine exudes a herbaceous and slightly green nature, which corresponds to the famous, Marlborough textbook terroir. This wine truly embodies the blueprint characteristics of sauvignon blanc grapes, displaying remarkable varietal typicity. It is a wine that was crafted with finesse and precision, that really captures the essence of its origin, making it a genuine choice for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience of a sauvignon blanc wine.

//Scoring
MUD HOUSE | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough | 2021
variety: sauvignon blanc
country: New Zealand
region: Marlborough
rating: 93.0
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This is definitely a great wine of New Zealand and with a total of 93.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s refreshing crispness, expressive richness and slightly opulent nature, we would suggest to pair it with pan-seared black cod served with tropical fruit salsa and a side of sautéed asparagus. The wine’s bright acidity and lean body will provide a perfect balance to the delicate and flaky texture of the black cod, while enhancing the flavors of the tropical fruit salsa, which includes vibrant notes of passion fruit and guava. The wine’s zesty character will lovely complement the fresh and earthy essence of the sautéed asparagus, creating a culinary experience that celebrates the wine’s terroir-driven typicity and elevates the dining experience to new heights of gastronomic pleasure. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.