Chat with Vinny
Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s North Island has a much older wine history than Marlborough but only recently have wine drinkers cottoned on to the super quality of its Sauvignons. As you’ll taste in this bright 2016, the style is deliciously tropical.
Tasting notes
Rich and concentrated with lovely freshness and balance
Aroma
Ripe and aromatic with citrus, passion fruit and herbaceous notes
More information
Move over Marlborough, the next most fashionable spot for Sauvignon could soon be Hawke’s Bay if this dazzling fresh white is anything to go by. Vines were first planted in Hawke’s Bay in 1851 by Marist priests from Lyon, which makes it the country’s oldest wine region. Its speciality is small production, quality wines, usually from family estates, and Roroa is a textbook example. It shares the same ocean freshness as Sauvignon from Marlborough, but being from the warmest spot in New Zealand you have a riper and creamier style, enhanced in 2016 by both the high quality and reasonable yields of the vintage. This is a delicious drop to enjoy on its own or with exotic foods. Think spicy Thai cuisine, salads and fresh vegetarian dishes.