Marlborough is located on the north end of New Zealand's South Island. It's New Zealand’s sunniest spot.
For the 2017 Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Villa Maria took grapes from their estate vineyards in the cool-climate Awatere Valley as well as the warmer Wairau Valley. Alcohol stays reasonable at 12.5% abv and the wine sells for less than $10.
The 2017 Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc shows the expected grassy, herbal nose with tropical fruit and minerals included. The palate is also full of those mineral notes, as well as lemon, lime and guava flavors. Acidity is brisk, and the lengthy finish is fresh and citrusy.