Mahi Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (2023)
The 2023 Vintage
Mahi is dedicated to crafting wines that speak of the land, moving away from generic regional blends to focus on texture and site-specific character. Brian Bicknell’s Sauvignon Blanc is a sophisticated departure from the Marlborough norm, sourcing fruit from premium vineyards across the Wairau Valley to achieve a deeper, more intellectual profile.
The winemaking philosophy prioritizes mouthfeel and aromatic complexity over sheer intensity. A portion of the juice is fermented with indigenous yeasts in older French oak barrels, while the majority stays in stainless steel. This patient, deliberate process allows the wine to develop a rounded, creamy mid-palate and a subtle savoury nuance that balances the grape’s natural vibrance. By bottling with minimal intervention, Mahi preserves the crystalline purity and structural weight that sets their Sauvignon Blanc apart as a serious, food-friendly white.
Pouring this bottle reveals an impeccably balanced profile of ripe grapefruit, nectarine, and fresh lemongrass, underpinned by a distinct flinty minerality. It is a highly intelligent, textured white that commands attention, making it a brilliant partner for grilled sea bass or a fresh seasonal pea and mint risotto.