2016 Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 750 ml

Sauvignon Blanc from the Rothschilds and Craggy Range

If you want to know just how good Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc can be, savor this wine from the partnership of Baron Benjamin de Rothschild of Château Lafite-Rothschild and New Zealand’s prestigious Craggy Range Winery. From a single 65-acre vineyard purchased by Rothschild in 2012, this is one of the finest Kiwi whites you can lay your hands on. Baron Benjamin has said that, “This spectacular vineyard will become the home of the Rimapere brand, and represents my family’s long-term commitment to our partnership.” If your taste in whites tends toward mineral richness and crisp New World freshness, we’ve got your number.

In 2012, Benjamin de Rothschild — the largest shareholder in Château Lafite Rothschild and thought by some to be the richest scion of the Rothschild family — decided his portfolio needed another white wine. He opted to expand to rugged New Zealand, joining forces with Terry Peabody’s Craggy Range, named the New World Winery of the Year in 2014 by Wine Enthusiast.

Since the partnership was struck, Rimapere has become a white wine jewel in the crown New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blancs. Much of that success is due to the viticultural expertise of the team at Craggy Range, a dominant force in New Zealand, racking up thirteen 94-96 point scores from Wine Advocate. At Vinous, Stephen Tanzer raved: “Very few other producers can match — or even approach — Craggy Range’s ability to excel with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah.”

Rimapere’s location plays a vital role in its success, too. It’s located in Rapaura, the stoniest part of Marlborough, where well-draining alluvial soils, carved and eroded by high country glaciers are responsible for some of the world’s most richly mineral Sauvignons. The Richmond Range to the north shields the estate’s 49 acres of Sauvignon vines from harsh weather, allowing long, sunshine-soaked days and stiff marine breezes off the South Pacific to do their work, infusing grapes with piercing acidity and stunning citrus character.