Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Rooted in ancestral soils along Marlborough’s Wairau Bar, the 2023 te Pa Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand delivers a bright, expressive, and quintessentially Marlborough expression of Sauvignon Blanc. This vibrant wine reflects both the MacDonald family’s deep Māori heritage and the region’s cool-climate coastal influence, bringing precision, freshness, and energy into every sip.

Product Details:

• Wine: Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc
• Producer: Te Pa Family Vineyards
• Owner: Haysley MacDonald
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 3.0 g/L
• Total Acidity: 7.65 g/L
• Vineyard Sources: 62% MacDonald Family Home Vineyard (Wairau Bar), 34% Redwood Hills (Awatere Valley), 4% Alabama Vineyard (Wairau Valley)
• Farming Practices: Sustainable
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation with separate block fermentations; 2% barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc blended for texture; aged briefly on light lees
• Closure: Screwcap

Sensory Description:

This Sauvignon Blanc opens with beautifully lifted aromas of white nectarine, feijoa, passionfruit, and fresh-cut herbs, accented by subtle notes of lemongrass and lime peel. On the palate, it showcases a concentrated core of Granny Smith apple, summer stone fruits, and tropical notes of papaya and pineapple, all wrapped in a crisp, vibrant acidity. A hint of saline minerality carries through to the long, refreshing finish, offering a pristine expression of Marlborough’s coastal terroir.

Awards & Accolades:

• 94 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
• 93 Points – Cameron Douglas MS
• 90 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
• Gold Medal – Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters 2023
• Wine Enthusiast: “Dry, fruity and crisp... quenches thirst.”

Winemaker's Background:

Te Pa Family Vineyards was founded by Haysley MacDonald, whose Māori ancestors first landed on the Wairau Bar over 800 years ago. Drawing from this profound connection to the land, the MacDonald family converted their long-standing dairy and crop farm into vineyards in 2003. Today, te Pa honors its heritage through sustainable viticulture and careful stewardship of its ancestral land. The wines reflect the balance, independence, and guardianship that have defined the MacDonald family for generations, blending tradition with modern winemaking to share Marlborough’s story with the world.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F) in a white wine glass to highlight its crisp aromatics and bright acidity. Ideal pairings include freshly shucked oysters, mussel ravioli with lemon beurre blanc, grilled snapper, seared scallops, and summer salads with goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette. For lighter options, pair with asparagus risotto or avocado and shrimp ceviche. Soft cheeses such as chèvre or feta also enhance the wine’s vibrant freshness, making it a perfect companion for both casual outdoor meals and elegant seafood-focused dinners.

The 2023 Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, offers a vivid, mouthwatering expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, honoring generations of family, land, and heritage with every refreshing sip.