Brightwater Lord Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Brightwater Vineyards may be one of the smallest estates on New Zealand’s South Island, but its world-class wines have earned it a (well-deserved) reputation as one of Nelson’s premier boutiques. And they have the trophies, golds and 5-star ratings to prove it (not to mention their winemaker, Tony Southgate, was named Winemaker of the Year at the country’s top competition, the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards).

This exclusive, limited-edition cuvée is no exception. Leading critic Sam Kim rated it 5 stars and 94 points: Wonderfully fruited and fabulously aromatic, showing kaffir lime, Granny Smith apple, passionfruit and fresh fig notes, it's powerful and delicious with awesome fruit purity and persistency.”

With such a succulent flavor profile, it’s obvious Tony has grape selection down to a science. For his exhilarating 2021, he picked the best fruit from his three favorite vineyard sites—one brings intense, ripe fruit flavor; one exudes vibrant aromas; and the third delivers a distinctive mineral-herbaceous quality. He named the mouthwatering result after famed scientist and native Nelson son, Lord Ernest Rutherford. Pair with classic goat cheese or serve ice cold as a tongue-tingling aperitif.

Of course, we have to make a quick note about the vintage. While the 2021 growing season produced a superb-quality harvest, it also had some of the lowest yields in years. That means the quality is top notch (as you’ll taste) but there’s very little wine to go around. Add to that a shortage of harvesters and skyrocketing global demand, and New Zealand Sauvignon will soon be even harder to find on the shelves. You’d to well to secure this fabulous 2021 before we run out. (And we definitely will!)