Tussock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

Similar to the Waipara Spring the Tussock has that tropical fruit quality - this time it is a touch more pungent and aggressive on the nose. The palate is well balanced with nice grassy citrus notes, some tropical fruits and a distinct raw green pepper taste.

Woollaston and Tussock, owned by ex MP and former local Mayor, Philip Woollaston, is Nelson’s new landmark estate, perched on the highest altitude site in Nelson and now one of New Zealand’s most impressive wineries to visit. From a small start in 2000, Philip and Chan Woollaston set about an ambitious plan to turn their six hectare hobby vineyard into a top quality commercial venture. They linked with American entrepreneur, Glenn Schaeffer, and the venture now comprises 90 hectares alongside a stunningly designed gravity-fed winery on four inter-connecting levels. Today they are a closely watched estate – the move will see the company become the second largest winery in the region with newly planted blocks of predominantly Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir over four distinctive sites. Vineyards are sited in the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills with distinctly different soil types. The plains are on free-draining alluvial terraces whose stony soils produce wines with intense aromatics and structure, while the rolling hills of Upper Moutere are deep clay gravels left by a retreating glacier which offer an exciting density of fruit with a mineral, often flinty, backbone. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Rosé and Pinot Noir are produced under the signature Woollaston label and the more commercially priced option, Tussock. Alongside their growing reputation for premium wines, the estate is a must visit destination among art enthusiasts. The cellar and gallery, with its unique living-earth tussock roof, commissions art and sculptural works by reputed international artists, while also including paintings by Sir Toss Woollaston, New Zealand’s only knighted artist, and father of Philip Woollaston.

Bob Campbell MW, Soft and reasonably rich wine with rock melon, pear drop and aromatic herb flavours. Gentle Sauvignon Blanc that offers good value at this price.

Michael Cooper, MW, Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009 The 2007 vintage is fresh, enticing with moderate depth of gooseberry lime flavour, crisp and dry, a solid addition to the Woollaston stable. 

The Irish Times, June 2008 One of the better New Zealand Sauvignons around at this price with some nicely defined green fruits, a touch of gooseberry, and a lovely lemon-lime zestiness. Perfect by itself but would also go down very well with salads and lighter fish dishes.