Who Was Russian Jack? History of the Winery & Tasting Notes for the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

Today we are looking at the lovely 2020 Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. The winery is named in the spirit of the traditional pioneering heroes of the country. This Sauv Blanc is comprised of fruit from both the winery’s estate and the Awatere and Wairau valleys. This is a quintessential example of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Expect notes of juicy berry, fresh lemon, and the perfect amount of passionfruit. It is clean, crisp, and the wine has an excellent length. We would normally recommend pairing this type of wine with food. However, we think this wine is absolutely perfect just by itself because it offers so much flavour and character. It is ready for immediate enjoyment but can be cellared over the next few years.

Grab a bottle of Russian Jack for your next barbecue or summer outing!

Read on to learn more about who Russian Jack was, the winery and tasting notes.

Who Was Russian Jack?

Russian Jack was a much-loved ‘gentleman of the road’ who lived between 1878 and 1968(*1,2). He was a mysterious man who would visit farms during their harvest periods and help them pick fruit. During the off-season, he and other ‘swaggers’ would work day and night to clear the land and prepare it for farming and settling(*2). He did this well into his old age (until a ripe age of 90 years!). Russian Jack was always welcomed during harvests and became a local hero. A bronze statue was even erected in honour of his tireless efforts in building and helping the community(*2).

The Russian Jack Winery, Marlborough, NZ

The winery is all about preserving the natural environment. All their vineyards are now certified as being sustainably farmed by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand(SWNZ)(*1,3). SWNZ’s impeccable standards for farming, managing weeds and diseases, water use, and preservation of local flora and fauna are vigilantly upheld by the Russian Jack winery(*4). In addition, the winery’s winemaking and bottling processes are also certified by the SWNZ(*3).

2020 Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough Tasting Notes

Heavenly aromas with defined characteristics, exquisite flavours, and a long finish. We would not change one thing about this lovely 2020 Sauv Blanc!

Aroma: Aromas transport you to busy Saturday mornings mowing the lawn and breathing in the fresh smell of the cut grass. Then, in almost the same moment, a lush tropical paradise filled with fresh fruits such as gooseberry, lemon and passionfruit take centre stage.

Palate: The zeal of the fresh fruits comes through on the palate. Passionfruit shines towards the end.

Finish: Crisp, clean, and mouth-watering.

We could not recommend the 2020 Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc more. It is perfectly harmonised and very easy to drink. Pair with food if you would like or enjoy on its own.

Browse our blog for more recommendations or get in touch. We are ready to help you find the perfect bottle for your next afternoon soirée.

References

*1. Summer Hill Wine Shop. Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Marlborough. YouTube video. 2022.
*2. Russian Jack Wines. Our Story. N.d.
*3. Russian Jack Wines. Our Place. N.d.
*4. New Zealand Wine. Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. 2020.
Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2020 Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough. 2022.