The Ned - Sauvignon Blanc, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough

Gold Medal winning Vintage Sauvignon Blanc produced solely from grapes grown on Estate vineyards in the Waihopai Valley and made by world-renowned winemaker Brent Morris. A lifted perfume of lime leaf, passion fruit pulp and fine mineral complexities are delivered on a palate that sets plush, smooth passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus flavours against bright acidity and balancing minerality.

• Vintage: 2017
• Origin: Waihopai River Vineyard and Leefield Station, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough.
• Taste guide: Dry, vibrant aromas of lime zest, lemongrass and passion fruit, crisp green apple and passion fruit flavours are drawn across the palate with underlying base notes of mineral and fresh herbs, unoaked.
• 75cl - 13% - screwcap

This is a single vineyard Sauvignon from the highly rated winemaker Brent Marris. As Chief Winemaker for Delegats Wine Estate way back in 1985, Brent was responsible for the establishment of the Oyster Bay wine style, still one of the most prominent New Zealand brands internationally. In 1994, he returned to his roots to establish Wither Hills with his father as viticulturist. The brand soon became critically acclaimed and Wither Hills flourished commercially.

After the company was sold, seeking a new challenge, Brent searched the Marlborough region for the ideal vineyard site to establish a new international brand. In 2003, he found his ideal location on the banks of the Waihopai River and created The Ned brand, named after the mountain which overlooks Marlborough's stunning Waihopai Valley.

The 2017 Vintage delivered a smaller than predicted crop for Marlborough’s wine industry, ensuring the vibrant, fruit-driven wines the region is so well known for, were achieved. The harvested fruit was gently pressed to minimise the negative effects of skin contact with the resulting juices fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with select yeast strains, chosen for their ability to enhance the varietal intensity and mouthfeel of Sauvignon Blanc.

On the nose this wine offers exuberant lemon/lime citrus and good minerality underpinned by layers of crunchy green capsicum and grassy herbaceousness. The palate presents an amalgam of characteristic lime and gooseberry flavours, complemented with passion fruit and green peppers. Good minerality and a bright acidity give balance and the finish is long and satisfying.

A delicious match with most seafood, salads and light cheeses and perfect with any white meat.

GOLD MEDAL winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2017.

Sells in many outlets including major supermarkets for up to £10.99 - but why pay full price for lesser vintages when you can buy this GOLD MEDAL Winning Vintage at BinEndWines for just £8.45