Waipara West, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

This Sauvignon Blanc comes from North Canterbury, where the cooler climate produces wines with freshness, balance and a little more restraint than you might expect from New Zealand. Founded by Paul Tutton in 1989, Waipara West has built a reputation for making honest, characterful wines that let the vineyard do the talking rather than chasing the loudest flavours.

Expect ripe guava, tropical fruit and bright citrus, with all the classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc character, but with real weight and lovely balance. A couple of years in bottle have softened the acidity beautifully, giving the wine a rounded texture and long finish that keeps you coming back for another glass. A superb Sauvignon Blanc that overdelivers for the price.