The 2017 Kelly Washington Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Southern Valleys and Awatere Valley subregions of Marlborough, New Zealand, is the inaugural vintage from Tamra Kelly-Washington and Simon Kelly’s boutique winery. Crafted from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards, notably Churton’s Brisket Block, it showcases a textured, atypical Marlborough style. Approximately 30% of the wine is fermented and aged in old French oak barrels using wild yeasts, with the remainder in stainless steel or concrete eggs. The wine displays a pale straw color with aromas of wet stone, struck flint, grapefruit, lime, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with linear acidity, concentrated fruit, and a long, complex finish, evoking Sancerre-like minerality rather than the typical fruit-forward Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairings
This Sauvignon Blanc’s structured and savory profile pairs well with:
- Seafood: Grilled prawns, seared scallops, or white fish with citrus or herb sauces.
- Vegetarian: Asparagus tart, goat cheese salad, or artichoke dishes.
- Poultry: Roast chicken with lemon and thyme.
- Cheese: Fresh chèvre, aged Gouda, or Pecorino.
- Other: Creamy risottos or dishes with subtle herbs (dill, parsley).
Its crisp acidity and mineral notes complement delicate, fresh flavors while cutting through richer textures.
Critics’ Reviews
The 2017 Kelly Washington Sauvignon Blanc has received strong praise:
- Decanter: 92 points, with Peter Richards MW noting, “Not your average Marlborough Sauvignon… woodsmoke, lime, gunflint, wet wool, and honey aromas with a dry, pithy, complex palate” reminiscent of upper Loire wines. He highlighted its food-pairing versatility and improvement over time. (B)
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Wine Advocate (April 2020): Described as “a bit funky” with “wet stone, struck flint, grapefruit, and spice” on a “streamlined and elegant” palate, recommending drinking in the near term. (B)
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Black Market NZ: Called it “a really fresh, complex, textural, zippy wine” with “intense, fruit-forward” notes and “fresh asparagus” hints, emphasizing its organic certification. (B)
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The Real Review: Rated it 5/5, ranking it #5 of 166 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs for 2017, underscoring its value and quality. (TM)
Critics consistently note its elegance, complexity, and departure from stereotypical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Drink Window
The 2017 vintage was recommended for near-term drinking by some critics due to its vibrant acidity and fruit intensity, with a suggested window of 2017–2023 (e.g., Decanter: 2020–2023). However, its oak aging and structure suggest it may still be enjoyable in 2025 if well-stored (cool, dark, stable conditions), likely showing more savory, honeyed, and mineral-driven notes. The drink window is approximately 2017–2025, with peak expression likely 2019–2023.
