Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2024

Reconstructed Premium Sauvignon Blanc

A Sauvignon Blanc Revolution Led by a Legendary Winemaker

“Kevin might be trying to revolutionize Sauvignon Blanc with this wine,” I thought to myself when tasting the new vintage.

Kevin Judd, who led winemaking at the prestigious Cloudy Bay for 30 years as one of its founding members, spearheaded the rise of New Zealand wine. Now considered a legend in the NZ wine world, he established “Greywacke” after going independent.

During his time at Cloudy Bay, driven by the mission to create a "higher-level Sauvignon Blanc," he developed “Te Koko”, which utilized wild yeast and barrel fermentation. This wine stood apart from the sharp and refreshing traditional NZ style, possessing the depth and complexity of a barrel-aged Chardonnay, and was highly acclaimed as an ambitious work.

After going independent, he further evolved and reconstructed that style, resulting in this “Greywacke Wild Sauvignon.”

Tasting Notes: Complex, Wild, and Unique Flavor

Bringing the glass to my nose, a complex and rich aroma unfolds, distinctly different from the typical Marlborough scents of passionfruit and grapefruit.

• Aroma: Lychee, mango, white flowers, herbal notes like thyme, and incense-like nuances reminiscent of sandalwood.
• Palate: Refreshing fruitiness of Meyer orange and gooseberry, overlaid with an oily texture. The finish is long, with a pleasant salinity and minerality.

The oak notes are not overly assertive; the fruit remains the star. However, it’s not just fruity; it has a rich umami and mineral character that lingers for a very long time on the finish. I find it to be a very multi-dimensional flavor. This is truly a "next-level" Sauvignon Blanc.

World-Class Quality, Revealing Marlborough's New Potential

From this wine, I sense Kevin’s strong determination to elevate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which often has a casual image, to the next stage.

He is presenting a perfected form of a "premium Sauvignon Blanc" that impresses professionals and is adopted by top restaurants. And he is showing the path for this region to be even more beloved. In that sense, I believe this wine is revolutionary.

Furthermore, its global accolades confirm its quality:

• James Suckling: 94 points (2022)
• Wine Advocate: 95 points (2021), 93+ points (2009), 93 points (2012)
• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points (2021)
• Wine Spectator: Numerous vintages received 92-93 points

Unique Winemaking Philosophy, Showcasing Craftsmanship

This unique style is born from a meticulously crafted process.

Fully ripened grapes are lightly pressed, the juice is settled at low temperatures, and then slowly fermented over 6 months or more using only wild yeast in old French barriques. Fermentation takes place in wooden barrels, and subsequent aging is done in stainless steel tanks with the lees for an additional 6 months.

This means that there is no barrel aging like in Te Koko, which he himself developed. In this wine, the focus is on maximizing the complexity and umami brought by wild yeast, without relying on toasty oak aromas.

About the Maker: Kevin Judd, a Craftsman Who Works with Nature

Kevin, both a winemaker and a professional photographer, struck me as a true "craftsman." He isn't verbose, but his work clearly shows a deep connection with nature. When I met him in Marlborough, he personally guided me through the vineyards of Southern Valleys, where the "greywacke" (grey sandstone) that gives the winery its name is abundant.

His wife, Kimberly, on the other hand, is very cheerful and sociable. The couple previously attended a winemaker's dinner we hosted in Nagoya, and that night was truly a luxurious one for me.

Recommended Pairings

This Wild Sauvignon pleasantly defies the preconception that "NZ Sauvignon Blanc = light and fruity wine." Its complex flavors pair wonderfully with a wide range of dishes.

• Slightly spicy Asian cuisine (e.g., Gai Yang, salt-cured pork)
• Herb-grilled shrimp with coriander
• Brie cheese with white peach compote

It's complex yet easy to drink, intricate yet somehow innocent and wild.

This wine not only reveals new possibilities for Marlborough but also seems to reflect the very essence of its maker, Kevin Judd.

About the Winery "Greywacke"

"GREYWACKE" was established in 2009 by Kevin Judd, who went independent from "Cloudy Bay," a leading NZ winery.

Cloudy Bay is undeniably a premier NZ winery that brought NZ wine to the world's attention. In particular, the distinctive taste of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc created a sensation among wine lovers worldwide. The general consensus was that this flavor could not be found anywhere else in the world outside of Marlborough, and Cloudy Bay's taste, in particular, was exceptional.

Kevin Judd, as the head winemaker, supported that taste for many years. He is, in essence, one of the great figures in NZ wine who played a major role in bringing global attention to NZ wine.

At Greywacke, he leverages his experience and pursues the potential of NZ wine with even more dedicated winemaking methods.

The brand name "Greywacke" is inspired by "Greywacke," a common sedimentary rock in New Zealand, and embodies the desire to "become a wine that represents the country."

About the Marlborough Region

"Marlborough" is the heartland of New Zealand's wine regions.

With abundant sunshine and significant diurnal temperature variations, favorable natural conditions for grape cultivation are met, and Marlborough produces over 80% of NZ wine.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, boasts an overwhelming production volume and is widely loved worldwide for its unique character. For red wines, Pinot Noir, with its charming rich berry fruit flavors, is popular.

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2024