New Zealand has long established itself as one of the most exciting white wine countries in the New World. Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough remains the great classic, combining crisp acidity, intense fruit and an aromatic character that has helped define a distinctively New Zealand style.
Yet the country has considerably more to offer. Riesling can achieve impressive freshness, balance and depth in places such as Waipara, while Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay reveals a richer and broader side of New Zealand white wine. That diversity is reflected in this list. Sauvignon Blanc may dominate, but the highest-rated wine is actually a Riesling.
These are the best New Zealand white wines we have tasted at Flaskehalsen.
1. Sherwood Estate Stoney Range Riesling 2024
New Zealand, Waipara, Canterbury
White wine – Riesling
Price category: Moderate Price
Points: 95 – Excellent
Stars: 6 – Exceptional value
An outstanding Riesling balancing impressive depth and freshness with soft fruit and elegant acidity. Uncomplicated, versatile and immensely appealing, it also provides convincing proof that New Zealand has plenty to offer beyond Sauvignon Blanc.
2. Rapaura Springs Rohe Dillons Point 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough, Dillons Point
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Mid-High Price
Points: 94 – Delicious
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of intensity and freshness, yet with more depth than many straightforward examples from the region. Tropical fruit, citrus and herbs meet cool acidity and a juicy, firm texture.
3. Toi Toi Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough, Wairau / Awatere Valley
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Moderate Price
Points: 94 – Delicious
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
More depth, spice and tropical fruit than you will find in the regular Toi Toi Sauvignon Blanc. A small proportion has spent time in oak, but fresh acidity and an energetic edge keep the wine lively and delicious.
4. Tahuna Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Moderate Price
Points: 93 – Very good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Tahuna gets the Reserve balance right, retaining the cool Marlborough character while adding concentration and substance. Tropical fruit, gooseberry and herbs create a crisp, energetic Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of personality.
5. Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Low Price
Points: 93 – Very good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Fresh, aromatic and crisp, with citrus, passion fruit, elderflower and green herbs. This is classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, full of energy, lively acidity and juicy fruit, and particularly well suited to light dishes.
6. Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Low Price
Points: 93 – Very good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
A highly typical and confident Sauvignon Blanc built around fresh citrus, softer yellow fruit and distinctive elderflower. There is impressive intensity here, while fruit and freshness remain nicely balanced.
7. Lawsons Dry Hills Inviniti Sauvignon Blanc 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Moderate Price
Points: 92 – Good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Classic Marlborough, combining aromatic freshness, tropical fruit and citrus-driven acidity. Crisp, juicy and straightforward, with a pleasantly cleansing finish that gives a fine impression of the region’s signature Sauvignon Blanc style.
8. Tahuna Sauvignon Blanc 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Low Price
Points: 92 – Good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
A fresh, cool and immediately accessible Sauvignon Blanc with bright fruit, citrus, green notes and elderflower. Enough depth gives it character without taking anything away from its uncomplicated and charming nature.
9. Toi Toi Sauvignon Blanc 2025
New Zealand, Marlborough
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Moderate Price
Points: 92 – Good
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Toi Toi comes remarkably close to being a textbook example of modern Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: fresh, youthful, lively, fruity, juicy and driven by acidity. Complexity is not the main attraction, but for straightforward and classic Sauvignon Blanc it hits the mark neatly.
10. Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay Hawke’s Bay 2024
New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay
White wine – Chardonnay
Price category: Mid-High Price
Points: 92 – Good
Stars: 4 – Worth the money
A different side of New Zealand white wine, combining cool freshness with the richer character of oak-aged Chardonnay. Buttery richness, sweet spices and nutty oak notes are kept in check by fresh acidity and lighter nuances.
