2024 Villa Maria - Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Private Bin (750ml)

Villa Maria was founded in 1961 and has grown from modest beginnings into one of New Zealand's most recognized and awarded wine producers. The family-owned estate built its reputation on the Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, the wine credited with putting Villa Maria on the international map, and the winery remains a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, reflecting a long-standing commitment to responsible farming across its vineyard holdings.

This bottling is a blend sourced from both the Wairau and Awatere Valleys within Marlborough, two sub-regions with distinct growing conditions. The Awatere Valley's cooler alpine winds and coastal breezes help preserve natural acidity, while the warmer Wairau Valley encourages riper, more tropical fruit character. Villa Maria was also the first winery in the world to move entirely to screw cap closures, a choice that helps the wine retain its freshness from bottling through to the moment it reaches the glass.

Aromas of lemongrass, jalapeño, and fresh herbs lead the way, layered with riper notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit from the warmer valley fruit in the blend. The palate is crisp and vibrant, with citrus and passionfruit carrying through to a clean, dry finish. This is an easy match for salads and fresh herbs on the lighter side, or grilled fish and shellfish when the tropical notes take the lead.