Tohu Celebrates Prestigious 91 points | Best Buy from Wine Enthusiast

Tohu Wines, the world’s first Māori-owned wine business, are thrilled to announce their recent accolade from Wine Enthusiast. With thousands of wines reviewed each year, earning 91+ points and ‘Best Buy’ from Wine Enthusiast places Tohu among the top performing Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough, delivering outstanding quality at an accessible price point. The result will be released in the upcoming Wine Enthusiast magazine, May issue, on sale April 29, 2025.

Chief Winemaker Bruce Taylor is thrilled with the results. He shares his thoughts on the appeal of Marlborough and the Awatere Valley:

"These regions are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also provide the perfect conditions for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. The 2024 vintage was exceptional in Marlborough. The 2024 growing season blessed us with a very dry summer, which resulted in no disease pressure. Early spring frosts and a cool flowering period in December led to lower crop yields and ensured a consistent ripening period free from adverse weather events. The entire harvest was completed in just 14 days, making it one of the fastest harvests in recent times."

Sourced mainly from the Whenua Awa vineyard, owned by Tohu, located in Marlborough's spectacular Awatere Valley, the Tohu Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2024 exemplifies the distinct Awatere style. This wine boasts intense flavours, with tropical notes, grassy and herbaceous undertones, and the classic minerality and concentration that hallmark the region's Sauvignon Blanc, making it truly unique.

Tohu Wines is owned by Wakatū Incorporation, a collective of approximately 250 families descending from customary Māori landowners in the top of the South Island, New Zealand. Wakatū and its associated businesses follow a 500-year intergenerational plan to protect, preserve, and enhance the land, culture, and people for future generations.

Chief Executive Joe Hanita acknowledges the effort behind their wines: "We’re proud of the Tohu and Kono wine team for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment to producing high-quality award-winning wines, grown from lands significant to the families of Wakatū directly contributes to our collective success.”