Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 offers a classic expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with its vibrant citrus and herbaceous notes, but it lacks the depth and complexity found in higher-scoring examples.
The wine showcases beautiful aromas of lime, passionfruit, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it pleases with vibrant tropical fruit flavors, balanced by a zesty citrus core and a crisp, refreshing finish.
It's a solid, reliable choice that delivers good value for its price point, but doesn't quite reach the heights of exceptional wines in this category.
Our Score: 85
Summary
Flavors: Zesty citrus, tropical fruit, and herbaceous notes.
Pair With: Best paired with seafood dishes like oysters and grilled fish, which complement its bright acidity and citrus flavors. Also works well with salads and goat cheese.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2023-2025
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Color: Pale straw with green hues.
Clarity: Clear and bright.
Aroma
Nose: Intense aromas of lime, passionfruit, and fresh herbs.
Palate
Flavor Profile: Bursting with flavors of ripe tropical fruits such as passionfruit and guava, balanced by a zesty citrus core. Initial impression of lively acidity, midpalate reveals a fuller fruit profile, and finishes with a crisp, clean aftertaste.
Body: Light-Medium
Acidity: High
Tannins: None
Finish: Crisp and refreshing with a lingering citrus finish.
Value for Money: Good value for a well-made New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc ($12-$18)
Similar Wines: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Serving Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Decanting: Not necessary
Fun Fact: Villa Maria has a strong commitment to innovation, being one of the first wineries in New Zealand to employ professional viticulturists and to pay growers based on grape quality rather than quantity.
Technical Details
Winery: Villa Maria (https://www.villamariawines.com/)
Vintage: 2022 - A year noted for its cooler growing season, which helped to maintain acidity and freshness in the grapes.
Varietal(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 12.5%
Price Range: $18-$28
Quality Price Ratio (QPR) Score: A
Winery Location Details: Vineyards located in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys of Marlborough, New Zealand. These areas benefit from a maritime climate with cool nights and sunny days, which enhance the aromatic qualities of Sauvignon Blanc. The soil is predominantly alluvial, with gravelly subsoils, providing excellent drainage.
Production: The grapes are machine-harvested at night to preserve freshness, then fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the pure fruit flavors and crisp acidity. No oak aging.
Other Ratings: 89/100 from Wine Enthusiast, 90/100 from James Suckling
Deep Dive
Villa Maria is New Zealand’s most awarded winery, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, when he was just 21 years old.
In 2009, George Fistonich was knighted for his services to the New Zealand wine industry.
The winery is known for its sustainable practices and was one of the first in New Zealand to be certified as 100% sustainable.
The company was one of the first in New Zealand to declare itself a "cork-free zone," moving to screwcap closures for all its wines in 2001.
Marlborough is recognized globally for producing top-quality Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its intense aromas and vibrant flavors.