Best in Show Trophy & 97/100 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards 2026

"This is the sixth Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to feature in our Best In Show selection – and of those six, half have carried an Awatere Valley origin, suggesting that this may prove to be one of the finest of Marlborough's sub-regions. This is a hugely impressive wine. Silver in colour, it has arresting vitality and energy on the nose, but unusual complexity, too: melon, mango, pear, Japanese citrus, resin, thyme and rue were among the notes our judges detected, woven together with great skill and discernment, and with no note dominating or lacking refinement. On the palate it's excitingly flavoury in all of the ways the aromas sketched out – yet it's also soft, complex, textured and hauntingly savoury as well as floral and fruity. 2026 was an outstanding DWWA year for New Zealand Sauvignon, and this layered, high-finesse yet at the same time amply drinkable wine had to see off many competitors to win its place in the Top 50." DWWA Judges' Comments (2025 Vintage)

"Intensely aromatic with lemongrass, yellow citrus and an unforgettable richness on the palate. The mouth-watering acidity helps drive a lengthy finish.This wine is immediately expressive and will continue to drink well for the next five years.

Blind River is the driest, coolest, and most windswept sub-region in Marlborough. Grapes grown here develop unique and intensified flavours as the grapevines are naturally restricted. The soils in this region are typically free draining, with a diverse composition of stone materials." Winery