Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with a Genuine Point of Difference

My Wine Man on Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas is one of Marlborough's most thoughtful and quietly influential wine producers — founded by winemaker Matt Thomson, a man with a deep understanding of Marlborough's diverse terroir and an unwavering commitment to making wines that genuinely express where they come from. While most Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is blended from multiple vineyards across the region, Blank Canvas takes a different approach: single vineyard wines that capture the specific character of one site, one season, and one winemaker's vision. The Holdaway Vineyard is one of Marlborough's most respected sites — a location that consistently delivers Sauvignon Blanc of focus, precision, and genuine site character. This is not a regional blend. This is a statement of place.

Tasting Notes

Bright pale straw in the glass, with a nose that is expressive and precisely defined. Passionfruit, fresh citrus, and white peach lead, with fresh herbs, gooseberry, and a clean mineral thread adding the site-specific character that sets this wine apart from a standard Marlborough blend. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with a focused, well-defined palate — the single vineyard origin gives the wine a clarity and specificity that is immediately apparent. The acidity is crisp and energising, and the finish is long, dry, and lingering. More serious than most at this price point.

Style & Drinking Window

Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long, dry finish. Drinking beautifully now — best enjoyed over the next 1–2 years while the fruit is at its most vibrant. Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C. No decanting required.

Food Pairing

The passionfruit and citrus precision of the 2023 Blank Canvas Holdaway Sauvignon Blanc make it a brilliant match for I&J The Finest Frozen Raw Prawns (Tail Off) from My Meat Man. The wine's crisp acidity and mineral thread complement the sweet, delicate flavour of premium prawns beautifully — whether stir-fried with garlic, chilli, and fresh lime, grilled with lemon herb butter, or tossed through a light Vietnamese-style noodle salad with mint and coriander.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$149, the Blank Canvas Holdaway is a single vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with genuine site character and winemaking precision — at a price that makes it one of the most interesting and over-delivering bottles in the category. Most Sauvignon Blanc at this price point is a regional blend; this is a named vineyard wine from one of Marlborough's most thoughtful producers. For those who want more focus, more specificity, and more winemaking intention from their everyday Sauvignon Blanc, this is the bottle to reach for.

Looking for a Different Style?

2024 Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — a fresh, fruit-forward classic Marlborough regional style; approachable, consistent, and great value.
2023 Dog Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — organically grown, mineral, and dry; a more structured and serious Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from ex-Cloudy Bay alumni.
2023 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc — wild-fermented, textural, and complex; a more ambitious and distinctive take on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.