Te Pa "Oke" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Decanter : 95 Points

(11/1/2023) Haysley MacDonald, descendent of the original Mãori tribe that arrived in Wairau in 1350, converted the family farm to vineyards in 2003, releasing Te Pā’s first wine in 2011. For Oke (a Sauvignon Blanc for Chardonnay lovers), grapes come from the home vineyard in Lower Wairau (60%) and the Redwood Hills Vineyard in Awatere, fermented and aged on lees in barrel for 11 months. Perfumed nose then into a luxurious style of Sauvignon. Clean, focused stone fruit – nectarines with a delicate bouquet of herbs and green vegetables. White nutty notes. Inviting pure fruit character, well-used oak. The acidity holds everything together and provides focus. Waxy, pithy, savoury nose, toast and hazelnut hints. Fleshy citrus supported by some spice and more hazelnut; a creamy, rounded texture. Fresh acidity. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2028.

Wine Advocate : 93 Points

(11/1/2023) The 2019 Oke Sauvignon Blanc leads with nutmeg oak and layers of tobacco, char and sandalwood. In the mouth, the fruit is obscured at this stage, but the oak (as profuse as it is) is classy and spiced. The acidity courses through the texture and enlivens the palate. This was made like a Chardonnay: it was whole-bunch pressed directly to oak for fermentation, then aged on lees for 11 months. Complex and good. Though not overly Sauvignon Blanc-like, it is good nonetheless. Rich. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink Date: 2023 - 2028.