Stockist/Retailer: Maltby and Greek

(2022) The indigenous Malagouzia variety was thought to be extinct in Greece, until rediscovered by Vangelis Gerovassiliou in the 1970s. Since then it has thrived and gained popularity, here in the hands of the very modern Alpha Estate in Macedonia. The 'Turtles' is a single vineyard, named because of the protected turtle nesting site within this vineyard. It has an alluring nose, definitely aromatic with hints of jasmine and leafy green herbs, a cool lemony fruit too. In the mouth it has a really nice texture, gently slippery with those clean flavours of white peach and firm pear, good acid balance and a hint of saltiness to add to the gastronomic credentials. Watch the video for more information.

(2020) California popularised the 'Fumé' style of Sauvignon Blanc, but of course it harks back to traditional top-end white Bordeaux, where Sauvignon is often the major component, and invariably it is barrel-fermented and aged. From a single vineyard planted at between 620 and 710-metres, this was fermented in medium toast Vosges oak barriques, with regular stirring, and up to seven months in oak for maturation. Its a wine that has a sheen of almond and oatmeal oak, but which lets the very peachy fruit sing, a slice of pink grapefruit adding cut and acid balance, just subdued herbal notes, but fresh, dry and zesty in the stylish finish. Stockist at time of review may not be for this vintage.