Kim Uncorked: Welcome to my weekly wine recommendation.
Hi, I’m Kim, a passionate lover of wine, food, and any experience that brings the two together! In this weekly blog post, I share my thoughts on a wine that I’ve recently purchased from one of our local independent wine merchants. If you’d like to know more about me, I’ve included a brief bio following the post.
2023 Allan Scott Kekerengu Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough AMW, New Zealand
Village Liquor Store, Park Royal
$30.80
C1-900 Main St.
West Vancouver, BC
Sauvignon Blanc is a variety I always enjoy, particularly for its fresh, lively character. But as we move into the winter months, I’m finding myself craving something a little less zesty and with a bit more structure. That’s why it was such a pleasure to come across the 2023 Allan Scott Kekerengu Sauvignon Blanc.
While Marlborough is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, this wine comes from a distinctive coastal site about 70 kilometres south of Blenheim. Situated between the mountains and the sea, Kekerengu has a unique microclimate that encourages slower grape ripening while retaining freshness. The vines grow in stony soils threaded with limestone deposits, adding another dimension to the wine. Its proximity to the ocean brings cooling sea breezes, which Scott suggests are reflected in the wine’s characteristic saline quality.
The Allan Scott story began in 1975, when Scott became an independent grape grower. In 1990, the family launched Allan Scott Wines, becoming one of Marlborough’s early boutique wineries. Today, siblings Josh Scott and Sara Stocker own the business and continue the family tradition with a focus on quality, innovation, and, above all else, making wines people love to drink.
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the grapes are harvested at night and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve their aromatic freshness. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that combines the variety’s familiar vibrancy with a little more texture and complexity.
Pale straw in colour, the nose opens with ripe tropical aromas of passion fruit and guava, accompanied by delicate floral notes and a hint of flint. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a lovely creamy texture that gives the wine a little more weight than expected. Lemon curd and lime zest mingle with ripe tropical fruit, while bright acidity keeps everything lively. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with a distinctive saline edge that reflects its coastal origins.
At 12.5% alcohol, it’s an easy wine to enjoy on its own or pair with seafood, shellfish, or a salad with a light vinaigrette.
Kim Mead is a Vancouver-based wine and food writer. She holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit, the French Wine Scholar designation with Honours, the Bordeaux Masters designation with Honours, and the Italian Wine Essentials certification. Kim serves as Cellar Master for the Vancouver chapter of the International Wine and Food Society and is a member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Follow her @agalandaglass