2023 Spitfire Small Parcels Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford

• Style: Bracing, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc
• Taste: Tropical fruit, grapefruit, flinty mineral edge, crisp acidity
• Food: Goat’s cheese, asparagus, fresh herbs, spiced Asian dishes
• Occasion: Weeknight, summer drinking, aperitivo
• Serve: Chilled, young, 12.5% ABV, Stelvin closure

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Concentrated tropical fruit announces itself on the first sip, followed by a sharp mineral edge that lingers. The 2023 vintage delivered an unusually disease-free season in Marlborough, and that cleanliness shows: the fruit tastes alive, the acidity crisp without green struggle. Ripe grapefruit and flinty edges define the palate. At 2g/L residual sugar and 7.6g/L acidity, this sits firmly in the dry camp but with enough fruit flesh to feel generous. A wine that doesn't whisper — made to be drunk young, chilled, and with proper food.

The Winery — Kim Crawford

Established in 1996, Kim Crawford built its reputation on the principle that control over fruit quality matters above all. The winery now draws from the largest vineyard resource in Marlborough, spread across the region's best sub-parcels. The Small Parcels bottling honours that rigour: only the finest grapes make it into this expression. Sourced from the Kiritata vineyard, the wine's character comes from the region's diurnal range—warm days and cool nights that slow ripening and preserve bright acidity. The fruit was picked ripe, then fermented cool and slow with selected yeast, a winemaking choice that pulls intensity forward without flabby sweetness. The 12.5% ABV keeps it refreshing; the Stelvin closure seals in freshness for months ahead.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

A natural match for goat's cheese, fresh herbs, and spiced Asian dishes. The crisp acidity and mineral spine cut through rich shellfish, white fish, and oily fish with equal ease. Equally at home with vegetarian plates, salads, and light dishes—think asparagus, fresh herbs, anything with a little heat from the kitchen. Chill and serve young for weeknight suppers, Sunday lunch, or as an aperitivo on warm afternoons. One of the finest expressions of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at this price, this wine announces its provenance with every sip. Explore our Marlborough selection to discover how this region's cool-climate signature plays across different producers and styles, or browse the full range of Sauvignon Blanc options.