Paul Wallace 'Little Flirt' Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Winemaking

Paul Wallace is a New Zealand winemaker known for producing expressive, fruit-forward wines that capture the vibrancy of the country's cool-climate regions. His approach emphasizes natural acidity and mineral precision, letting the vineyard's character and varietal expression take center stage without heavy-handed intervention.

Tasting Notes

This is a textbook expression of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—herbaceous and alive from the first sip. The nose opens with cut grass and fresh herbs before tropical notes of passionfruit and grapefruit emerge, drawing you in with its immediacy. On the palate, crisp citrus and a mineral backbone provide structure and drive, while the finish stays clean and zesty with a lingering echo of stone fruit and tropical lift.

Producer

Paul Wallace operates as a small, independent producer within New Zealand's wine regions, focusing on single-varietal bottlings that reflect their specific site character. The operation prioritizes quality over volume, allowing for careful fruit selection and measured winemaking that respects the wine's natural acidity and aromatic complexity.

Terroir

New Zealand's cool maritime climate and extended growing season create ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc, allowing grapes to develop bright acidity while achieving full aromatic maturity. The country's well-draining soils and consistent sunshine produce wines of remarkable clarity and mineral definition, with the characteristic herbaceous and tropical fruit notes that have made the country synonymous with the varietal.

Food Pairings

Pair this with grilled shrimp tossed in garlic and lemon, or try it alongside a fresh goat cheese and heirloom tomato salad with basil. For something more casual, it's excellent with fish tacos topped with crisp slaw and a squeeze of lime—the wine's tropical notes and natural acidity cut right through the richness.