Mahi Alias Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Mahi 'The Alias' Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is a distinctive white wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted by Mahi Wines, a boutique winery founded in 2001 by Brian and Nicola Bicknell. The name "Mahi," meaning "our work, our craft" in Māori, reflects the winery's commitment to showcasing the individuality of various vineyard sites through sustainable and hands-off winemaking practices.

The 2019 vintage is sourced from a small parcel in the Byrne Vineyard, located in the Conder’s Bend area of Marlborough. The vines are managed organically and are planted on gravels that would have once been a riverbed. The stony soils provide both drainage and heat retention, which are essential for this cooler site. The grapes were hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed, and taken straight to French barriques without any chemical additions. Fermentation occurred with indigenous yeast in the barrels, adding complexity and texture without dominating the nose. The wine was left on yeast lees for fifteen months, which were stirred regularly, adding savory notes and serving as a natural fining agent. After time in barrique, it was gently racked and bottled without fining.

In the glass, Mahi 'The Alias' Sauvignon Blanc 2019 presents a pale straw color. The nose is complex, offering aromas of passion-fruit curd, lemon-peel confit, river stones, and baking spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused acidity, delivering notes of Asian pears, yellow apples, and orange blossoms. The wine is multifaceted and finely intertwined due to fermentation in French oak.

This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including goat's cheese and feta. Its complexity and texture make it suitable for both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

Tasting Profile

Food Pairings:

Fish

Shellfish