RAPAURA SPRINGS BULL PADDOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021

We are seeing some fantastic Sauvignons from the small 2021 Marlborough vintage but the Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock is a standout. From a single vineyard at Dillions Point in the lower Wairau, it is packed with tropical fruit flavours, a hint of gunflint and a long, minerally, salivating saline finish. Already it has amassed some impressive scores from the critics…

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Vibrant aromas of passionfruit, guava and tropical fruit that follow through to the palate. These intense fruit flavours are complemented by an intriguing saline minerality and vibrant acidity. This wine is immediately expressive but will continue to drink well for the next five years.

Our Bull Paddock Vineyard is located in the Dillons Point sub-region of Marlborough’s Lower Wairau Valley and was once only good for raising bulls. The young, alluvial soils produce grapes with a powerful bouquet of rich, tropical aromas, expressive flavours and an intriguing mineral element. Pure, concentrated and limited by nature… We’re thrilled with the concentration and intensity of flavour in our 2021 wines, this vintage will be one to remember."

5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"Offering magnificent fruit power and richness while remaining vibrant and focused, this gorgeous rendition is packed with passionfruit, kiwifruit, jalapeno and lime peel aromas with a hint of musky complexity. The full-bodied palate offers exceptional depth and persistency, wonderfully complemented by richly textured mouthfeel. At its best: now to 2030."

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"The classy 2021 vintage was grown in the lower Wairau Valley. Light lemon/green, it is a powerful, weighty, vibrant wine, with deep, punchy, passionfruit/lime flavours, threaded with racy acidity. Full of youthful vigour, it should break into full stride mid-2022+."

5 Stars & 19+/20 (96) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, August 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"Bright, very pale yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is full and distinctive, filled the glass with aromas of lime, cassis, mango, interweave sage and oyster shells. Medium-light bodied, dry to taste, well-proportioned, discreet aromas of lime, cassis, and mango enliven by saline, oyster shells, sage, and spicy herb notes. Subtle elderflower nuance meld in the mix. The mouthfeel is smooth, flows elegantly with finely chalky phenolics. Savoury nuances of sage and saline persist to a long finish, suggesting food. This is a stylish Sauvignon Blanc with a strong sense of place, elegant mouthfeel and finesse. Match with langoustine and goat's cheese ravioli with sage butter over the next 3-5 years. The fruit was sourced from Dillons Point, Lower Wairau Valley, fermented in stainless steel to 13.5% alc, 3.6g/l RS."

5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, September 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"Frost damage reduced quantity but increased concentration of this appealing and slightly rustic sauvignon blanc. Passionfruit, box hedge, struck flint and green capsicum flavours."

94/100 David Walker Bell, winefolio.com, August 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"The palest lemon-gold in the glass. An explosive nose, with honeydew melon, passionfruit, cucumber, lime zest, guava, and herbals of tarragon, basil and chamomile. Tight, energetic and linear with a scintillating acid drive. Dry yet juicy – more bright, pure fruit on the palate with blackcurrant, preserved lemon and green papaya. Superb salinity and a mineral edge that reminds of a walk on a windswept, shell-speckled and sea-sprayed beach. Mineral through a softer texture at the back. The finish is by contrast quite delicate and ethereal."