2003 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Southern Valleys, glacial outwash and less-worked soils than those on the plain. The region was a bit swampy in Bragato ’s time so he didn’t recommend Marlborough but the river moved. 2003 was saved by a fine autumn. Must went straight into barriques, just a few new. Full malo. Aged on lees. Pale gold. Slightly oily nose. A bit soft with a suggestion of coffee dregs. Lightly spicy and hints of lime syrup. Medium length. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(fermented with wild yeasts, then racked into oak, 10% new, for an 18-month elevage, including a year on the lees; 100% malolactic fermentation) Smoky aromas of pear, truffle, honeysuckle and vanilla. Then bright, tight and concentrated, with lovely purity of fruit considering the wine's truffley, leesy quality. Offers very good intensity but comes across as less ripe and rich than the musky, dense 2001 (, which was also distinctly wilder.