Mārama 2018

 

At four years old, the richly fruited and firm 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Marama remains fresh, yet is starting to shake off its youthful enthusiasm. It still retains a floral element that's commonly found in wild-fermented wines. The extended aging in barrel has rounded the edges. It remains a powerful, structured Sauvignon Blanc with long length and the purpose of Robin Hood's arrow. It still has another five years in it, but its ripe apple flavors and almond-croissant-like characters can be enjoyed now with soft cheeses and seafood. Considering the challenges of the 2018 vintage, this is a surprisingly successful wine.

94 points - Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous