Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2022/23, Marlborough

European settlers arrived in New Zealand in 1840, and set about clearing scrub from what are now top winemaking regions. Originally from Latvia, Russian Jack was one of these gentlemen of the road. He’d appear on farms at harvest time to pick fruit, well into his old age. As a result, he became a bit of a legend. There’s even a statue in his memory. And this wine lives up to his name. It’s made with grapes from certified sustainable vineyards, and there’s no compromise on quality. Every vintage has only one bottling, with the wine left on its spent yeast cells (or ‘lees’) to concentrate the flavours and add texture. This is a seriously aromatic Sauvignon, with notes of passionfruit, elderflower and gooseberry. Try it with spicy grilled fish.

Brand: Russian Jack