From the heart of Marlborough but a world apart. Handcrafted in tiny quantities for an incomparable artisan Sauvignon. Untamed, with long skin contact for complexity and texture, natural fermentation in barrel without any additions and many months on the fine lees for its famous silkiness. Dry and explosively rich, the pinnacle of a stately Sauvignon Blanc.

Vintage 2010

We handpicked our Sauvignon Blanc grapes from our 14 year old, low yielding vines at a low yield of 750g per vine.

Hans’ Winemaking Comments

The grapes were whole bunched pressed and 80% was transferred into 500lt French oak puncheons where it went through an initial fermentation conducted by indigenous yeasts, with regular lees stirring. The young wine then underwent a natural secondary malolactic fermentation, aging in the same puncheons for a further 12 months on its fine lees. The other 20% went into stainless steel to retain its fresh and vibrant character to be married again before bottling. No fining and only light filtration prior to bottling.

Tasting Note

This is a pure, elegant Sauvignon Blanc with creamy aromas of crisp, honeyed grapefruit and pineapple, together with fine acidity for a strong backbone.

Technical Data

Varieties 100% Sauvignon Blanc Rootstock Riparia Gloire Vine Planted 1996 (grafted 2004) Soil Shallow (<45 cm) stony soil, well drained, developed from stony alluvium. Not one row shows the same soil type. Planting Density 5,500 vines/ha Yield 2.5t/ha Alcohol 14% Residual Sugar <2.7g/L

Food Matching Suggestions

Well suited to fish dishes, white meats, seafood and cheeses.