
Fresh, textural, and unmistakably Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc, the Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc combines vibrant fruit with precision winemaking. Crafted with a portion of new oak fermentation for added texture, this wine reflects the purity of the grape while delivering something truly distinctive. Whether enjoyed now for its freshness or cellared for more complexity, it stands as one of the finest expressions of Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River.
Shop our 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $32 per bottle (750ml)
A cold winter allowed our vines to enjoy full dormancy, then a wet spring nourished the soil water reserves for the growing season. Sustained warm conditions moderated with night-time cooling from the ocean breezes, from ripening through to harvest, enabled the generous aromas and outstanding flavour development which define Margaret River. The lack of summer rains yielded beautifully balanced vines, with clean, healthy fruit. It also impacted the summer forage, meaning we had to net the vines despite low bird pressure to keep the hungry kangaroos away. The resulting wines show the vitality and energy of this amazing growing season.
Sauvignon Blanc fruit was harvested in the early hours of the morning and immediately cold crushed to press, where the juice was separated from the skin. The juice was cold settled for 2-3 days before being racked and fermented in stainless steel and new French oak barrels (20%). The oaked portion was combined with the portion in stainless steel after fermentation, where the wine was matured on the fine lees with bâttonage occurring fortnightly for 5 months. The wine received a light fining prior to filtration and was then bottled with all-natural acidity.
Colour: Light green in colour with mother of pearl streaks
Bouquet: Lychee, preserved lemons, gooseberries, hints of currants and curry leaf.
Palate: Lively acidity and white fruit textures drive the palate, given gentle substance by bolder fruits and subtle tones of creamy French oak and brioche. A mineral finish coated in lime zest and dried thyme.
If you are seeking an Australian Sauvignon Blanc with broad appeal, this 2023 vintage pairs beautifully across multiple cuisines.
-Fresh seafood such as oysters, scallops, or kingfish.
-Goat’s cheese, asparagus, or garden-fresh salads.
-Thai green curry, lemongrass chicken, or lightly spiced Asian dishes.
The 2023 Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed today for its crisp fruit and citrus vibrancy, or cellared for 3–5 years to develop added texture and complexity.
Best served lightly chilled at 8–10°C to highlight freshness without muting aromatics
Cellaring potential: Expect evolving layers of nutmeg, creaminess, and savoury depth with medium-term aging.
The Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc has earned a consistent string of trophies, gold and silver medals with each vintage released. Critics agree the subtle oak fermentation adds sophistication, texture, and balance to this premium Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River.
Here are a selection of awards and praised garnered for the 2023 Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc:
95 Points, Ray Jordan, West Australian Wine Review: “It’s fair to say that sometimes sauvignon blancs can be consumed just a little early, and in good seasons like 2023, when the fruit has balance with lovely pure, pristine acidity and all the fruits you want, a little extra time in the bottle will improve it immeasurably. In this case, it has done just that. On the nose, there’s passionfruit and stone fruit with some nice citrus and a subtle grassy edge, while the palate is really where this wine comes into its own. It’s layered and complex, and the use of just a small amount of French oak has brought it to life, adding both texture and complexity while not overdoing it. This is an excellent wine.”
95 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review: “Very pale, almost water white appearance; the bouquet is reserved and shy, with a lack of varietal fruit but instead a green/straw, raw almond and faintly petroleum-like aroma. In the mouth it’s delicate, restrained and dry, with appetizing crispness and aridity, and while very reserved it does have intense flavour, focused and precise, appetizing at the finish. Stylish wine. Later, after extended time in the glass, a transformation: the wine developed richness and complexity, some barrel derived notes alongside passionfruit varietal fruit, with serious appeal. A stand out!”
Silver medal, International Wine Challenge 2026
Silver medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
Silver medal, Australia & New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards 2025
Silver medal, Royal Melbourne Wine Awards 2024
This release is a showcase of Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc, crafted with precision and care by the Passel Estate winemaking team. It is a vibrant, expressive white wine that balances tropical fruit aromas, with white fruits, spice and minerality. As both a cellar-worthy white wine and a refreshing drink-now option, it embodies everything wine lovers expect from the best Sauvignon Blancs Margaret River has to offer.
Partially oaked Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the Margaret River region’s most recognised white wine styles. The maritime climate brings cooling afternoon breezes that help preserve natural acidity, while the region’s gravelly loam soils add a signature mineral edge. These conditions combine with the winemaking approach to deliver Sauvignon Blancs that are vibrant, aromatic, and refined, balancing tropical fruit, citrus lift, and savoury complexity.
The 2023 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from Passel Estate is a true reflection of the estate’s unique terroir: fresh and lively, yet layered and textural, making it a standout among Australian Sauvignon Blanc from this vintage.