Waipara Sauvignon BlancThe Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2015/2016/2017 Tasted in mid 2018, the 2015 to 2017 vintages revealed their aging ability and value. Fermented in tanks (mostly) and old oak barrels (15 per cent), the 2017 vintage (3.5*) is fresh and lively, with strong, clearly herbaceous flavours, showing a touch of complexity, and good acid spine. The 2016 vintage (4*) is fragrant and fleshy, in a ripely herbaceous style, showing good complexity and richness, and a rounding finish. Probably at its peak, the 2015 vintage (4.5*) is a light lemon/green, full-bodied wine, with ripely herbaceous flavours, excellent intensity and a long finish. Michael Cooper The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2016 | 91/100 | 4.5 Stars Wonderfully ripe and opulently flavoured, this flavoursome sauvignon shows lifted aromas of yellow stone fruit, grilled pineapple, lime zest and sweet basil on the nose. The palate is concentrated and beautifully weighted with excellent fruit intensity and silky texture, nicely structured by refreshing acidity. A richer, generous style. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2017 | 93/100 | 5 Stars A lovely alternative-style offering fruit richness as well as savoury complexity; the beautifully lifted bouquet shows baked apple, nectarine, lemon peel, flint and oatmeal characters, followed by a concentrated palate that is wonderfully weighted and generously textured. The wine offers terrific power and plush mouthfeel, brilliantly structured by bright acidity. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2017 | 86/100 Weighty and quite textural sauvignon blanc with salty, mineral, box hedge, tree fruit, nectarine and subtle nutty flavours. A distinctive wine that's strongly reductive. Bob Campbell - The Real Review The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2018 | 90/100 | 4.5 Stars The wine is delightfully fruited and fragrant on the nose showing ripe stone fruit, Gala apple, lime peel, flint and dried herb characters. The palate delivers juicy fruit intensity and fine texture backed by bright acidity, finishing lingering and crisp. Sam Kim - Wine Orbit. The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2019 | 93/100 | 5 Stars It's delightfully fruited and complex on the nose showing Gala apple, grapefruit, oatmeal, subtle flint and lime zest characters. The palate is wonderfully weighted and persistent, displaying juicy fruit intensity backed by vibrant acidity, finishing long and attractively savoury. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit The Crater Rim Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2020 | 93/100 | 5 Stars Generously styled and complex, the bouquet shows golden peach, lime zest, flint and dried herb aromas, followed by a succulent palate displaying excellent weight and vibrancy. It's fleshy and juicy with a lengthy mouth-watering finish. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit View the 2016 Tasting Notes View the 2017 Tasting Notes View the 2018 Tasting Notes View the 2019 Tasting Notes |