Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2025 750ml

Mahi | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2025

James Suckling: 93 Points (prior vintage)

Mahi is the project of Brian Bicknell, one of Marlborough's most thoughtful and independent-minded winemakers. Where much of the region's Sauvignon Blanc is made in a loud, industrial style — cold-fermented in stainless steel to maximize tropical fruit and aromatic punch — Bicknell takes a fundamentally different approach. Drawing on what he calls a "chef's philosophy," he incorporates wild yeast ferments and aging in old oak barrels to build texture, complexity and genuine depth into a variety that is too often reduced to a single dimension. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that stands apart: more sophisticated, more food-friendly and more interesting than the category norm.

The 2025 opens with an expressive and layered nose — lemon peel, grapefruit pith, apple blossom and pastry, with citrus and tropical notes woven through secondary characters that emerge from the wild ferments and barrel aging. The palate is elegant and well-structured, with a creamy, textural mid-palate that sets it apart from the region's stainless-steel standard. Bright acidity provides freshness and lift, while the long, complex finish reflects the care and intention behind the winemaking.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. One of the few Sauvignon Blancs with the weight and texture to handle lightly seared scallops or oysters without overpowering them. Also excellent with grilled fish, shellfish, fresh goat cheese (chèvre), Greek salad with feta, light pasta and herb-driven dishes.

• Producer: Mahi
• Winemaker: Brian Bicknell
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Vinification: Wild yeast ferments; partial aging in old oak barrels
• Style: Dry white wine, textural and complex
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml