Shearwater Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Winery Background and History

Shearwater is a wine label under Astrolabe Wines, founded by the Yealands / Wakawaka family in Marlborough, New Zealand. The brand aims to showcase Marlborough’s vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals in a fresh, expressive style. Astrolabe has a reputation for exploring cool-climate sites, careful vineyard sourcing, and modern cellar practices. The Shearwater line is positioned to capture stylistic clarity, aroma brightness, and approachable drinking.

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Astrolabe / Shearwater, the winemaking team emphasizes minimalist intervention to preserve aromatic lift. They manage canopy, yield, picking timing, and ferment in stainless steel to protect varietal character. For this vintage, they blend small amounts of other varieties (see below) to support texture and complexity.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from vineyards in Marlborough, especially in the Wairau and Awatere valleys, where cool nights and sunny days provide ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. Soils are well-drained alluvial loams and gravel. The maritime influence tempers extremes, giving the grapes a long ripening season while preserving acidity and aromatic intensity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Harvested by machine, juice is cold settled or “floated” to clarify, then cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks. No oak maturation is used—100% of the wine is kept in stainless steel to preserve freshness. The wine is bottled under screwcap to retain aromas. According to a retailer listing: residual sugar 3.89 g/L, total acidity 7.01 g/L, pH 3.29. 

Tasting Notes

Bright pale straw color. On the nose, tropical fruit notes (pineapple, passionfruit), fresh herbs, and hints of citrus. On the palate, crisp acidity, flavors of green apple, lime zest, tropical melon, and herbal undertones. The finish is clean, refreshing and lively. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with fresh seafood (oysters, scallops), sushi, ceviche, green salads with citrus dressing, goat cheese, or Thai cuisine. Also excellent with shellfish in light white wine sauces.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8-10 °C. Use a white wine glass that can concentrate aromatics. No decanting needed. Once opened, consume within 1-2 days for best vibrancy.

Storage and Aging Potential

Best enjoyed young, within 3–5 years of vintage. It will retain freshness and aromatics in those early years. Longer storage may soften vibrancy and tropical notes.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

97% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Riesling, 1% Chardonnay, and 1% Gewürztraminer 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.0 %