The 2023 Allan Scott "Kekerengu" Sauvignon Blanc is a highly distinctive expression of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal, grown within New Zealand's famous Marlborough Geographical Appellation. Harvested from the unique, coastal Kekerengu sub-region—where vines thrive in rough limestone soils and endure cool marine mists—this fruit-driven wine is machine harvested and pressed at night to maximize aromatic retention. Critics like James Suckling note that it reveals complex aromas of grilled pineapple, passion fruit, white rose petals, and flint. On the palate, it shifts away from traditional, aggressively racy styles toward a lighter-bodied, creamier texture filled with notes of lemon curd, candied lime zest, and gooseberries. The defining trait of this terroir is its mouthwatering, crisp finish defined by a unique sea-salted herbaceousness and prominent mineral notes derived from the nearby coastline. Unlike many standard New Zealand white wines, this unfiltered and unfined bottle is structured to develop further complexity as it ages.
Its bright, mineral profile makes it a stellar match for tangy goats' cheese and feta, as the wine's sharp acidity effortlessly cuts through creamy textures. The distinctive salinity and flinty undertones of the Kekerengu coast also mean it pairs naturally with briny local seafood, such as raw oysters, grilled prawns, or linguine with clams. For a lighter meal, it acts as a perfect complement to fresh summer produce like asparagus risotto or pasta primavera, where the green, vegetal flavors of the food mirror the wine's crisp, herbaceous character.
