River Farm, Sauvignon Blanc, 2025, Marlborough (GI)

'One-Liner'
A wonderfully expressive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, bursting with juicy passionfruit, tropical fruit and zesty lime, with a crisp, mouthwatering finish.

Tasting Note
Pale straw yellow in the glass, with vibrant aromas of ripe passionfruit, tropical fruits, fresh lime and a delicate herbal lift. The palate is wonderfully bright and expressive, bringing together juicy tropical fruit, citrus zest and a subtle hint of fresh-cut grass. Concentrated fruit flavours give the wine a lovely sense of generosity, while lively acidity keeps everything beautifully fresh and balanced. Crisp, aromatic and wonderfully refreshing, with a long, mouthwatering finish that leaves you reaching for another glass.

Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough GI
Sub-Region: Awatere Valley
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
ABV: 13%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
James Suckling 2025 – 90/100
Wine Enthusiast 2026 – 88/100

The Story
River Farm's story began in 1864, when William Jones arrived in New Zealand hoping to strike gold. Although his prospecting ambitions proved unsuccessful, he eventually returned to farming and purchased land in Marlborough, unknowingly laying the foundations for a family winemaking legacy that would span generations. Today, brothers James and Andrew Jones are the fourth generation to work the land, with the family farming around 330 acres of vineyards across Marlborough's Awatere and Wairau Valleys. Their 2025 Sauvignon Blanc comes entirely from estate vineyards in the Awatere Valley, where cool nights, strong maritime winds and a long growing season help the grapes develop wonderfully expressive aromas while retaining their natural freshness. Under the guidance of winemaker Sanna Stander, the fruit is harvested in the cool of the early morning, gently pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its bright, aromatic character. Individual vineyard parcels are then rested on their light lees before the final blend is assembled in May, bringing together the best qualities of each parcel. The result is a beautifully vibrant expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, combining the family's generations of farming knowledge with a thoughtful, modern approach to winemaking.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Lightly seared scallops with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Courgette and ricotta fritters with a lemon-dressed salad
- Vegan: Ginger, Sesame and Lime Noodles with Pak Choi