Wither Hills - Rarangi Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Gary Walsh, 92pts - "Ah, the old Australian wine industry whipping boy; Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. Nettles and capsicum along with a passionfruit and pineapple tanginess that runs along without too many bumps. Not the most focussed and driven wine, although it’s much better served not too cold, but attractive and good to drink. Like the spicy grapefruit finish. Good stuff." Campbell Mattinson 91pts (2010) -New single vineyard wine from established Marlborough producer Wither Hills. It’s a cuddly crowd-pleaser with a touch of class. Good intensity of flavour and while it feels soft in your mouth, the flavours push impressively through the finish. A good style of wine. Flavours of gooseberry, gunmetal, limes and fistfuls of herbs. Quite grassy/herbal really but its soft texture keeps it accessible. Thumbs up. Drink : 2011 - 2013."

Considerably more intense than the regular label with a mix of ripe passion fruit with red capsicum, lemon grass and a salty minerality - could that be form the vineyard's coastal location? Very attractive wine in a highly individual style.

"This single-vineyard sauvignon has an extra degree of intensity and character. Fragrant gooseberry, citrus, floral and herbal aromas. A touch of richness and extra flavour depth on the palate; excellent balance, lingering aftertaste."

Crisp, dry, single-vineyard wine, from a site on the Wairau Valley coast. Mouthfilling body, with fresh, citrusy, limey flavours showing excellent purity, delicacy and harmony. Slightly minerally, with a lasting finish.

"A brilliant single vineyard Sauvignon from the north-eastern part of the Wairau Valley, displaying intense aromas of passionfruit, capsicum and herbaceous characters on the nose. The palate is concentrated and pungent showing a lovely succulent mouthfeel and a lengthy finish. A serious Sauvignon yet so easy on the palate."

Katrina Holden, sipyourstyle.com.au - "Just bottled in November, the Wither Hills team hold this back in the cellar for a few months before releasing. The wine sits on yeast lees for some time, with the aim according to Sally to drive minerality, texture and precision of line. There’s some lovely complexity here with this bone dry white which has citrus acidity, grassy notes and a steely and mineral character. Ben Glover has provided some quirky notes on each wine. This Rarangi, he says, “Is a wine to sit and savour with cerebral friends” – or a stylish sipper I say."