Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Pencarrow — Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Martinborough, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
A refined, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from Palliser’s acclaimed Pencarrow range, showcasing Martinborough’s elegant, mineral-driven expression rather than overt tropical intensity. Built on precision, freshness, and aromatic clarity, this is Sauvignon in a restrained, food-friendly lane.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate citrus blossom, lime zest, green apple, and subtle white peach lift from the glass. Aromatics remain airy and focused, supported by gentle herbal nuance and fresh-cut citrus. On the palate, bright lemon, crunchy orchard fruit, and a faint saline edge create a beautifully layered, refreshing profile.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied yet energetic with crisp, well-integrated acidity. The texture stays sleek and clean, offering lift and tension without sharpness. The finish is lively and inviting, encouraging repeat sips.

Food Pairings
Fresh oysters or ceviche. Goat cheese and citrus salads. Grilled shrimp with herbs. Sushi and light sashimi preparations.

Verdict
Elegant, expressive, and effortlessly drinkable, this is a Sauvignon Blanc that prioritizes finesse over flash. A beautifully balanced example of Martinborough purity that delivers clarity, charm, and serious refreshment value.

Did You Know?
Martinborough’s gravelly soils and consistently cool growing season favor slower ripening and higher natural acidity, allowing Sauvignon Blanc to express aromatic detail and structural tension rather than overt tropical ripeness.

🍷 Personal Pick
Not a bombastic Sauvignon, this is a graceful, highly drinkable charmer. Crisp, aromatic, and dangerously easy to finish. The kind of bottle that quietly disappears faster than planned. Total chugger energy (in the best possible way). 😏 — 8 days ago

Fernando Davalos

9.5

Nice flavor and crispy notes — 6 years ago

Kim Lumsden

9.4

Fairly obscure. Unlikely to ever be had again. Quite an odd sort of a thing but a definitely worthwhile as a post meal sticky. — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Palliser Estate – 2024
Martinborough – New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
Palliser Estate is one of Martinborough’s most respected producers, crafting wines with finesse and precision. This Sauvignon Blanc showcases the hallmark character of New Zealand, but with a more refined and balanced expression compared to the often more pungent Marlborough style. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate citrus and tropical notes—lime zest, gooseberry, and passion fruit—interlaced with subtle herbal tones of lemongrass and fresh basil. Clean minerality supports the fruit, giving it a lifted freshness.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied, vibrant acidity, and an elegant balance between fruit concentration and crispness. Smooth and precise, leaving a refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, goat cheese, ceviche, sushi, or summer salads with citrus vinaigrette.

Verdict
A very delicate and balanced Sauvignon Blanc, capturing the essence of New Zealand’s style with elegance. Martinborough adds a cooler-climate restraint that keeps it fresh and poised. A wine that’s both approachable and refined.

📌 Did You Know?
While Marlborough dominates NZ Sauvignon Blanc production (with its intense, zesty style), Martinborough’s cooler nights and smaller scale create wines with greater elegance, minerality, and restraint, making them stand out among New Zealand Sauvignons. — 4 months ago

davy

9.0

Purple red
Red fruit, strawberry oaky. Earthy? — 3 years ago

Craig Thompson

9.3

What a ballsy Pinot. Deep opaque Crimson and earthy aromas. Uber concentrated and more like a Shiraz. Balanced and great acid, 11 years on This is still in great order. Maybe lacks the subtlety and complexity of the great burgundies but well worth the effort. — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Palliser Estate – 2021
Martinborough – New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine reflects Martinborough’s cool-climate finesse, a region renowned for producing elegant and terroir-driven Pinots. Palliser Estate is one of the pioneers of the area, known for precision and balance in winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright notes of cranberry, red cherry, and a whisper of wild strawberry. Subtle earthy undertones mingle with a gentle floral lift, adding complexity without weight.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, fresh, and silky with very soft tannins. Crisp acidity gives it a refreshing edge, leading into a clean, delicate finish. Can even benefit from a slight chill on a warm afternoon.

Food Pairings
Perfect with roast chicken, charcuterie boards, grilled salmon, or even a casual summer picnic spread.

Verdict
A graceful and versatile Pinot Noir that highlights Martinborough’s hallmark style—elegant, light, and refreshing. Ideal for those who enjoy nuance over power. Cheers! — 4 months ago

Andre Kilian

9.0

Pleasant drink — a year ago

Keith Crump

9.0

Quirky fruity and fun — 7 years ago

Scott Taddeo

8.9

Tropical, high toned florals and key lime. High acid, off dry. — 10 years ago