2023 The Retreat Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 750 ml

This savagely fresh Kiwi stunner is blowing the doors off the competition in the bang-for-buck department. Just please don’t expect bottles like the bracingly crisp 2023 The Retreat Sauvignon Blanc to become an everyday occurrence! 

From a vintage that’s getting “best in years” buzz, this is “classic Marlborough” says Wine Enthusiast—and it’s a THIRD of the price of NZ Sauvignon Blanc standbys like Cloudy Bay. A don’t-think-twice bargain to sock away for a rainy day!

What did the critics at Wine Enthusiast mean when they praised this pale gold beauty as a classic for the region?

They mean it’s got off-the-charts vibrancy and razor-sharp acidity, thanks to extended growing seasons on the South Island that don’t quit. They had in mind the mineral richness that is a Marlborough signature, complements of alluvial and glacial gravel, and a chalkiness that could make Chablis jealous. And that trademark grassy, green quality—evoking mouthwatering notes of lime zest and green mango. 

Typicity is one of this wine’s great strengths, and it’s from an outstanding vintage that winemakers are musing about putting in their top five lists. While fruit set initially had winemakers worried, the resulting loose clusters ended up guaranteeing clean, disease-free grapes. Chilly evenings meant the winemakers could wait through March to harvest, and were rewarded with crystalline intensity and explosive aromatics.

The traditional advice with a white wine like this one is to not drink it too cold—but good luck pulling this bottle straight from the fridge and waiting even a minute to enjoy.