In New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region, surrounded by a sea of Sauvignon Blanc vineyards owned by corporate wineries, Astrolabe stands strong as an independent, family-owned producer of stunning wines. The Waghorn family should be proud of their success: seven consecutive vintages of 90+ scores from Wine Spectator earned through perseverance and skill.

This wine is made solely from Sauvignon Blanc and comes from growers in Marlborough’s Awatere, Waihopai, Wairau, and Brancott Valleys. The fruit was lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. The clear, cold-settled juice was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature allow the powerful fruit flavours to dominate.

This is a stunning example of the modern Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc style. It is impressively balanced with a ripe bouquet of elderflower, gooseberry, and passionfruit. The palate is broad and lush; those elderflower and gooseberry notes are perfectly matched by an almost Loire-like flinty acidity.

“Astrolabe offers a dry and dialled-in expression of sauvignon blanc, with tremendous fragrance and harmony. This is benchmark Marlborough with nicely layered tropical fruit and herbal flavours and an elegant character. Drink now to 2024.”
91 points, Christopher Waters, Globe & Mail, February 2023