Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
“Our 2019 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc has beautiful, lifted aromatics from ripe, tropical fruits through to green and grassy herbaceous tones. The palate has lots of juicy citrus fruit character, a zingy acidity and great concentration. Some old oak barrel fermentation has contributed to the texture while adding an extra dimension to the wine’s flavour and overall complexity.
90% of this wine came from our Waihopai vineyard where moderate yields produce a punchy, intense wine with lots of passionfruit and citrus flavours, The remainder was from our Blind River block in the Awatere Valley where we find a distinctive chalky character on the palate both tropical fruit and green ‘tomato stem’ notes.
Both blocks were harvested at between 22 and 22.3 brix in beautiful condition. The grapes were gently pressed with a portion of each going into old French barriques to undergo spontaneous, wild fermentation. The stainless-steel tank portion was inoculated with specially selected yeasts to heighten the wine’s aromatics. The wine was then left on light lees and stirred occasionally to provide added texture and mouthfeel.”
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2019 Vintage)
“Retasted in mid-2020, the 2019 vintage was grown in the Waihopai, Awatere and Wairau valleys, and made with some use of indigenous yeasts and barrel fermentation. Bright, light lemon/green, it is very lively, with intense tropical-fruit and herbaceous flavours, punchy and youthful, a distinct touch of complexity, and a long, crisp, dry (1.8 grams/litre of residual sugar) finish. Drink now or cellar. Good value.”
Reviews for the 2018 vintage below…
5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2018 Vintage)
“A blend of Waihopai and Awatere Valley vineyards with 15% fermented in old French oak barrels to enhance texture. Concentrated wine with grapefruit/lime, struck flint, lemongrass and a suggestion of passionfruit flavours.”