O:Tu Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc

OTU (pronounced o-two) is Otuwhero Estate and it’s named after the mighty Otuwhero River that runs through the lower valleys of Marlborough. This ancient river provides Otu with vineyards full of rich alluvial gravels and clay soils and along with its remote and rugged coastal setting it’s perfect for producing wines full of intense, ripe flavours! Then throw in a two time International Winemaker of the Year winner and you’re on to a good thing!

Jeff Clarke is the man and he started his winemaking career at Penfolds in Australia before spending 17 years at Montana wines down the road in Marlborough. He’s also spent time with Church Road in Hawke’s Bay, while respected UK wine journo and Master of Wine Tim Atkin named Jeff as one his top six winemakers globally!

This is their extremely classy Limited Release series and, not surprisingly, these are wines only released in good vintages in limited quantities when Jeff identifies top quality fruit worthy of the label.

This 2022 release is nothing short of class. Scoring 95/100 and a Top Rank Award with Master of Wine Bob Campbell, who said “Classic Awatere Valley sauvignon blanc, with intensely grassy, tomato leaf, nettle, gooseberry and subtle passionfruit flavours. A classy wine that gives a nod in the direction of Sancerre.”

Throw in a Gold at the New World Wine Awards and (another) 95/100 rating, this time from Sam Kim, you’re getting one hell of a wine for the money here!