2023 Sauvignon Blanc

In 2009, Kevin Judd left LVMH-owned Cloudy Bay after 25 years to set up his own label, Greywacke and took on ex-Spy Valley winemaker Richelle Tyney as his right-hand woman. Greywacke is one of Marlborough's most respected producers, particularly in the white department. The Sauvignon Blanc Wild provides the most intrigue for the high-involvement wine consumer, and in 2021, I dare say it’s the best yet. Made in a funky style, it is allowed to undergo a spontaneous fermentation in barrel (which can take up to a year to complete), and a portion goes through the malolactic conversion. The Chardonnay remains an unsubtle, stylistic interpretation of the variety and won't be everyone's cup of tea. With its high toast and full-solids influence, it feels the least sensitive of the range. The two Alsatian white varieties, Pinot Gris and Riesling, always offer fragrance and texture. In 2022, the Pinot Gris lacks a little concentration, but the Riesling seems to have defied the season and produced a delightful, pristine, juicy style.