Wine of the Week NZ
Stephen Wong MW in Wines of the Week Become a member to view this article
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Guide to Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon Feature Week
Cloudy Bay Te Koko 2023, Marlborough, NZD $90
A stand-out wine and the top-scorer from Jane Skilton MW in the Appellation Marlborough Wine tasting. Te Koko is always released later than the estate sauvignon blanc so 2023 is the current release. The fruit comes from their older vines on the Wairau Valley floor and is wild-ferments entirely in oak barrels and cuves (7% new oak) over five months before being transferred to age for another 11 months in a mixture of barriques, cuves and concrete.
Jane’s tasting note:
This is an accomplished, confident style of sauvignon blanc. The aromas are complex with some very subtle flint and gunsmoke sitting alongside restrained cinnamon-spiced oak. There is masses of succulent fruit on the palate, and although the texture is at once creamy and silky, thanks to sauvignon’s hallmark breezy acidity, there is a vibrancy and drive. Although it could be drunk now, it would be better with time. (Screwcap)
Score: 96 ★★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: now to 2030
Food: crispy pork belly with miso sauce
Stockists: The Good Wine Co. online; Fine Wine Delivery Co., Auckland and online (AU); Kent Street Cellars, Sydney and online – NSW; Nick’s Wine Merchants online (AU)
Ranked: #1 of 172 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough
Awarded:Â Top Rank
Wine Classification:Â 2 Merits