Catalina Sounds Sound of White Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023 from Marlborough is a serious, textural take on Sauvignon – hand‑picked, wild‑fermented in older French oak and built for layers, not just simple zing. It’s all about complexity, weight and savoury detail while still feeling vibrant and precise.

In the glass you’re looking at reserved aromas of ripe citrus peel and stonefruit, with lanolin, flint, passionfruit seed, rockmelon, fresh cream, vanilla and nougat swirling through as it opens. The palate is finely textured and mid‑weight: ripe white‑fleshed fruit and citrus sit over a powdered, creamy lees feel, with mouth‑watering acidity giving real definition, length and a long, flavoursome, savoury finish.

For food, Catalina Sounds Barrel Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is made for the table – think smoked or grilled fish, salmon rillettes, goat’s cheese, creamy pasta and pesto, or richer seafood dishes where that texture and acidity cut beautifully through the richness. It’s a brilliant option if you love Sauvignon Blanc but want Burgundian‑style polish and food‑friendliness rather than a simple aromatic quaffer.