2023 Te Mata "Cape Crest" Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Cape Crest has piquant flavors of blackcurrant, boxwood and a nice nutty character derived from barrel fermentation (30% new wood). There's appealing texture built through the mid-palate by extended time on lees, but the acidity is bracing and the finish rather fleeting. The blend is 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Sémillon and 1% Sauvignon Gris. (RG)