Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 

A limited release by this label that has acquired cult status. From the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, this is a much more complex wine than its cheaper sibling (the standard Malborough sauvignon blanc), with stunning purity and fruit expression and a different level of structure and class; and a very, very long finish. This is simply Marlborough and Awatere Valley at its absolute zenith. 

"A linear, pure wine with clean flavours of currants, gooseberry and citrus. Finishes savoury, crisp and dry. Very enjoyable when young and fresh; will age gracefully with careful cellaring."  Wine Spectator

"My Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc is dry and has an emphasis on aromatic herbs and fresh, green fruits, with a full and lingering mouthfeel, balanced acidity and a savoury, almost saline finish. When I put this wine together, I really try to showcase parcels of fruit that I think are uber-Awatere, expressing the essence of the Awatere region. I always blend from Awatere Valley vineyards on the north and south of the river to reflect the different soil fertility and flavour these sites contribute. Even though this wine is all about the Awatere, I am trying to show the Awatere as a whole, rather than just a single vineyard site."  Simon Waghorn, Winemaker

Bob Campbell reviews Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020
(Click on image to play video)

Expert reviews

"A ripe example of Awatere Valley sauvignon blanc, with underlying cut grass, saline-mineral and tomato leaf flavours. Flavoursome wine with fruity, mouth-watering acidity. A delicious wine. Drink: 2020-2025."  Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review - 95 points

"Pale straw with green highlights. Focused aromas of jalapeño, nettle, lime zest, lemongrass and fresh herbs. A linear, pure wine with clean flavours of currants, gooseberry and citrus. Finishes savoury, crisp and dry. Very enjoyable when young and fresh; will age gracefully with careful cellaring."  Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

"The 2020 vintage is a bright, light lemon/green, full-bodied wine, with generous tropical-fruit and herbaceous flavours, vigorous, finely balanced, bone-dry and lingering."  Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide  ★★★★(★)

Awards

Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 

Awatere Valley

Awatere Valley is one of three sub-regions within the famous Marlborough wine region of New Zealand, accounting for around a third of the vineyard area. It lies south-east of the region's two other main wine-growing areas, the Wairau Valley and the Southern Valleys sub-regions (refer to the map below). The Awatere River, which flows south from Clifford Bay, gives the region its name – awatere meaning "fast-flowing river" in the local Maori dialect.

The potential of the Awatere Valley as a premium site for viticulture came a decade after the first Marlborough vines were planted in the Wairau Valley. In the late 1980s, the first pioneering growers, Vavasour Wines, began establishing vineyards on the hills in Awatere's more challenging terroir. The main period of expansion occurred in the late 1990s, as suitable land became more scarce in the Wairau Valley. Now, the valley is home to a significant acreage of grapevines and produces some of Marlborough's best-known Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyards of the Awatere Valley sit on a variety of hills and river terraces in the rugged, rolling landscape. Wind-blown loams sit atop a base of alluvial gravel, mostly made up of greywacke. These dry, free-draining soils are one of the most important features of the terroir in Awatere because they stress the vines. Stressed vines grow deep root systems in search of water and nutrients and produce high-quality berries to ensure the propagation of their species.

The climate is influenced heavily by the ocean that makes up the northern and eastern boundaries of the region. Intense sunlight during the day is cooled by ocean winds, contributing to the diurnal temperature shift that extends the growing season in the Awatere Valley, with harvests usually taking place some days after the Wairau Valley.

Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc

"Most of Marlborough's sauvignon blanc is planted in the northerly Wairau Valley, and the distinct sub-regional character of the southerly Awatere valley sauvignon blanc may surprise those who are more familiar with the Wairau fruit profile. We generally think of the Wairau as having more thiol-driven tropical passionfruit and ripe citrus flavours, while the Awatere is more focused around herbal, leafy methoxypyrazine flavours.

When I put our Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc together, I really try to showcase parcels of fruit that I think are uber-Awatere, expressing the essence of the Awatere region. I always blend from Awatere Valley vineyards on the north and south of the river to reflect the different soil fertility and flavour these sites contribute. Even though this wine is all about the Awatere, I am trying to show the Awatere as a whole, rather than just a single vineyard site."  Simon Waghorn, Astrolabe

Marlborough sub-regions

About the winery

Founded in 1996 and named after the ship that in 1827 charted and explored the Marlborough Coast, Astrolabe wines were created by seasoned winemaker Simon Waghorn together with his wife Jane. Simon crafts a range of beautiful wines that express the purity and intensity of fruit flavours afforded by the climate and soils of the Marlborough region.

All grapes are sourced from ten families who live on their land and farm sustainably. These carefully chosen sites add complexity and completeness to the wines. Simon is fascinated by the distinctive qualities of the Marlborough sub-regions and in addition to the range of Marlborough Province wines, he also produces wines specific to the Awatere Valley and  Kēkerengū Coast sub-regions.

"I choose to live and work in Marlborough because I believe the grapes here are the best in the world. I use all my skills and experience to style wines with elegance and balance that capture the intensity and brightness of our fruit. The diverse terroir of Marlborough's sub-regions broadens my palette as a winemaker to craft complex and individual wines."  Simon Waghorn, Winemaker

Simon Waghorn talks about Astrolabe (click on image to play video)