Arona Sauvignon Blanc (75cl, 12.7%)

Arona Sauvignon Blanc is a Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc blended with a small percentage of Riesling, bottled at 12.7% ABV. It is produced by Waverley Vineyard under the Barker's Marque label in Marlborough's Blind River sub-region. Fruit comes from a 50:50 split of Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley vineyards. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at a cool 10°C, followed by cold stabilisation without fining agents. The Riesling addition adds textural weight and softness, while the vineyard is certified sustainable under New Zealand's Sustainable Winegrowing Program. The nose shows citrus blossom, dried herbs, smoky passionfruit, ripe stone fruit and wet-stone minerality. The palate is zingy with bright citrus, rich passionfruit and mandarin-like ripeness, with pithy herbs, briny smokiness and a soft, rounded mouthfeel. The finish is fresh and lingering, with passionfruit, lime, mineral smokiness, a gentle herbal note and a whisper of residual sweetness.