Ninety Plus Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Lot 2 is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced primarily from the Awatere Valley, this expression has earned scores of 88–89 points across multiple vintages on Wine Searcher aggregate reviews, establishing it as a reliable representation of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5% | Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand (Awatere Valley) | Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc | Producer: 90+ Cellars Production & Heritage 90+ Cellars built its reputation on a distinctive model: partnering directly with established wineries in top-producing regions and bottling under its own label at accessible price points, identified by numbered "Lots." For Lot 2, fruit is harvested from vineyards in the Awatere Valley, a sub-region of Marlborough prized for its cool, dry, coastal climate that imparts pronounced mineral and herbal character to Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are crushed, de-stemmed, and cold soaked before fermentation in stainless steel tanks — a process designed to preserve bright aromatics and crisp acidity without any oak influence. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced fresh grapefruit and lime zest, followed by waves of passionfruit and white peach. Underneath the tropical fruit sits a distinctive green thread of freshly cut grass and subtle herbal notes characteristic of Awatere Valley fruit. Taste: The entry is bright and immediately citrus-driven, with fleshy grapefruit and ripe melon dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, guava and gooseberry emerge alongside racy acidity that keeps the wine taut and lively. The overall structure is clean and elegant, with sweet fruit and crisp acid in careful balance. Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, refreshing close. A hint of wet-stone minerality lingers alongside fading citrus, leaving the palate clean and ready for the next sip. How to Drink Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc Serve well chilled at 45–50°F to highlight the vibrant aromatics and acid structure. This wine is at its best young and fresh, ideally within a year or two of the vintage date. Spritz: The racy acidity and tropical fruit make it an ideal base for a white wine spritzer with soda water and a grapefruit twist. Sangria Blanca: Its bold citrus and passionfruit notes stand up well when combined with fresh summer fruits in a white sangria. Wine Cocktail with Elderflower: A splash of St-Germain elderflower liqueur amplifies the floral and tropical character without overpowering the wine's natural vibrancy. Best For Weeknight dinner pairing with seafood, salads, or lighter fare Hosting a summer gathering or outdoor entertaining Introducing someone to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc without a premium price commitment Building a by-the-case house white for consistent everyday drinking Frequently Asked Questions What does Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It delivers a bright, fruit-forward profile dominated by grapefruit, passionfruit, and gooseberry, balanced by racy acidity and a clean mineral finish. The overall impression is crisp, lively, and unmistakably Marlborough in style. How does Lot 2 compare to Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc? Both are Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs with classic grapefruit and tropical fruit profiles, but Lot 2's Awatere Valley sourcing tends to emphasize a more pronounced herbal and mineral dimension. Kim Crawford generally carries a higher price point for a broadly similar style, making Lot 2 a competitive value alternative. Is Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc good for beginners? Its clean, fruit-forward character and refreshing acidity make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or white wine in general. The straightforward flavor profile is immediately appealing without demanding deep wine knowledge. Where is Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc made? The fruit is grown in the Awatere Valley, a sub-region of Marlborough on New Zealand's South Island, known for its cool coastal climate. 90+ Cellars sources the finished wine and bottles it under their Lot numbering system. What foods pair well with Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled shrimp or prawns complement the citrus and mineral notes; fresh goat cheese echoes the wine's tangy acidity; Thai green curry works with the tropical fruit character; raw oysters highlight the minerality; and a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette mirrors the wine's herbal, zesty edge. What sizes does Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format. Is Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? It positions as a value-tier Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, delivering quality and regional typicity that frequently competes with bottles priced significantly higher. With aggregate scores of 88–89 points across vintages, it represents strong performance for its price category. Why Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc? The 90+ Cellars model gives Lot 2 a genuine edge: Awatere Valley fruit with the aromatic intensity and mineral backbone that sub-region is known for, released at a fraction of what comparable single-estate Marlborough wines typically cost. Consistent aggregate scores of 88–89 points across multiple vintages confirm this isn't a one-off success but a reliably sourced expression. Cold-soaked and stainless-steel fermented to preserve every ounce of varietal character, the wine delivers textbook Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — grapefruit, passionfruit, herbal undertones, and bracing acidity — without asking drinkers to pay a premium for a famous label on the front.
