2023 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
95 Points – Bob Campbell MW
Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is a benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from one of the region’s most awarded and respected producers — intense, complex and built with the precision and power that only Wairau Valley fruit can deliver.
With 95 points from Bob Campbell MW, New Zealand’s most respected wine critic, the 2023 is one of the finest expressions of this flagship wine in recent memory.
This is for someone who wants the definitive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc experience.
Saint Clair is one of Marlborough’s most decorated producers, and the Wairau Reserve consistently sits at the top of the category — more intensity, more complexity and more precision than standard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, while retaining all the vibrancy and freshness the region is famous for.
As Bob Campbell noted, this is quite a weighty wine with impressive power — an impeccable balance between sweetness and acidity that leaves a pleasantly dry finish. That is exactly what great Wairau Reserve delivers.
In my view, this is one of the finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs available at this price — a wine that sets the benchmark for the style.
This is all about intensity, complexity and Wairau Valley character.
Passionfruit, guava and ginger define the nose, with red capsicum and struck flint adding a compelling savoury complexity that lifts this well above the standard Marlborough style.
The defining feature is the weight and power — more presence and depth than you expect at this price, with an impeccable balance between sweetness and acidity and a long, pleasantly dry finish.
Vibrant, expressive and completely compelling.
Light to medium-bodied with passionfruit, guava, ginger, red capsicum and struck flint notes.
Impressive weight and power balanced by crisp acidity and a long, dry finish.
Best enjoyed now, well chilled.
If you want a 95-point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from one of the region’s most awarded producers, this is the benchmark.
It delivers:
Ideal for oysters, seafood, goat’s cheese, Thai cuisine or as a benchmark aperitif.
Life’s too short for bad wine.
