Decades in the making, Catalina Sounds have received the 2025 London Wine Competition award of Sauvignon Blanc of the Year on their 2024 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc. Up against heavy competition of wines from all over the world and an illustrious judging panel consisting of 9 Masters of Wine, 75 wine professionals and 6 Master Sommeliers.
Catalina Sounds have built a reputation for crafting nuanced, site-driven expressions. Theirwinery is led by a small team that includes winemaker Matthew Ward and vineyard manager Fraser Brown. Sourced from exclusive vineyards in the Southern Valleys and the Wairau Valley, and with a high portion of fruit from their Estate, the Sound of White Vineyard in the Waihopai Valley; these wines are distinct in every way.
“When we set out to make wines in 2005, establishing the winery and vineyard, we knew at our core that Sauvignon Blanc would be our hero, and it’s a defining moment on our journey to receive this award from the London Wine Competition” says Matt. Today, they produce three different Sauvignon Blancs, as well as a Pinot Gris, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir across two ranges, the Estate range and the Single Vineyard range.
About the wine
The 2024 vintage of Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc is a true reflection of a unique Marlborough season, in fact the driest summer in 90 years. The year brought warm, dry weather and a rare late frost, which meant fewer grapes but exceptional quality. The harvest was the earliest and fastest in years, with pristine fruit and smaller bunches that excited Matt’s team in the winery. In the glass, this wine shines with pale straw and green hues, offering inviting aromas of ripe citrus peel, candy apple, and a hint of wet stone. The first sip is juicy and mouthwatering, with flavours of preserved lemon and stone fruits, all carried by a subtle, salty freshness and a lovely, lingering texture.
As Fraser notes, “this Sauvignon Blanc is crafted from grapes grown in the Waihopai Valley and select grower vineyards most of which we have worked with for more than 15 years”. The winemaking approach is simple and careful, letting each vineyard’s character shine, with a small portion aged in large oak vessels for extra depth. The result is a vegan-friendly wine that’s vibrant, textured, and perfect for enjoying with fresh seafood, crisp green summer salads, or on its own by the pool. Their wines are certified with Appellation Marlborough Wine and Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand.
