0% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

The wine

Passionfruit and tropical fruit lead the aroma, edged with lemongrass — Marlborough aromatics that announce themselves before the first sip. That is the argument this bottle makes: the sauvignon signature is present, aromatic, and specific enough that you know the variety from the smell alone.

The palate mostly agrees. Crisp citrus and tropical fruit ride a light body; the character survives even as the weight thins against a full-strength Marlborough. Bright acidity keeps the fruit from turning soft. Where the sip betrays the aroma is duration and depth — shorter and lighter than the smell promises, citrus-led rather than lush, the tropical lift thinning once the first impression passes. Lemongrass keeps the tropical fruit from going soft.

The close stays clean and short, still citrus. Serve it well chilled and drink it for the passionfruit and lemongrass lift, not for mid-palate flesh. The aroma does the heavy lifting; the glass stays honest about how little body remains. Passionfruit first, citrus through the exit — the aromatic lead promises more flesh than the sip delivers.