From the company’s Waipara valley vineyards in North Canterbury. The vineyards contain an unusual mix of Sauvignon Blanc clones, including some golden-hued fruit of Loire heritage (376 and 530, for us geeks). The bouquet is gorgeously mealy and complex – you get that classic Sauvignon waft of passion fruit and jalapeno, but then it’s all ripe stonefruit, orange blossom, guava and a touch of almondy oat biscuit.
Delicately balanced acidity and even with a hint of flinty reductivity as the palate broadens and lengthens out. There’s barrel ferment funk and texture here, plus a gentle baking spice. No lack of power, with a pure ripe, tropical, concentration and bags of personality. This is supercharged Sauvignon, but with a finesse to match the vitality and this shows in the extended finish – succulent and poised. 93pts.
