In Marlborough, Clos Henri are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first harvest. As the physical property has evolved, so too now does the company’s identity – with a revised look to the labels on the bottles. Celebrating the diversity of the site – the Clos Henri Estate vineyards feature at least three different soil structures across the 110 hectare estate – the range now includes the Estate Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but also a set of single vineyard wines.
Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
From Marlborough, but with a definite european expression of this most-celebrated varietal. Well presented, with a new illustrated label and the wine a bright, translucent, very pale lemon-green in the glass. A zing of citrus, with white pepper, crushed shell, white peach and cardamom. Underlined with brisk acidity and with plenty of lees-influenced texture to balance out the palate with a nice depth and weight. A herbal, spicy finish. 91pts
Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Another expression that has plenty of old world style. Intensely aromatic, with grapefruit, pink peppercorn, passionfruit, jalapeno, sweetcorn, and lemon blossom. There is a stony minerality running through the core, with a tart, saline acidity giving superb drive throughout. I love how the palate broadens out at the back, with a calming polish to the silky texture that develops. The finish is full and generous. 93pts
Clos Henri Waimaunga Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Still very coltish and youthful, brimming with energy and spark. Dry, with a subtle spice on the nose that sits over some intriguing notes of sweet tropical papaya, jasmine and mango, but also greener flavours of asparagus, mangetout and cucumber. The palate has a broad textural feel, offset by more of that signature minerality – a flinty, terracotta. The back of the palate has plenty of weight and some drying, pithy phenolics. 93pts
Clos Henri Estate Pinot Noir 2019
A mid-depth ruby colour in the glass, with a very appealing perfume, showing raspberry, red cherry, orange peel, plum, lavender and musk rose. There’s also a bloody, smoked meat note on the nose, and a cinnamon, nutmeg spice as well. A pop of ripe fruit greets the palate – pure, juicy and vibrant. Light on its feet, with a terrific balance but firm structure of fine-grained, dry tannin, subtle oak and bright acidity. The immediacy of fruit slows, and an elegant vinous, savoury character emerges mid-palate. A stony minerality and more spice cocoons the finish, which has focus and length. 92pts
Clos Henri Waimaunga Pinot Noir 2020
Sealed under cork, this is a serious, age-worthy Pinot. A dense, dark burgundy colour in the glass, with complex aromatics that take time to unravel. Sweet-fruited cherry, damson and raspberry, sprinkled with spice, woody herbs and a lilac floral perfume. Quite succulent but with a balance of savoury notes that sit well alongside some tannin that hold a little pucker and grip. Acidity and oak are in harmony now but I imagine will meld together even more completely in a couple of years. 93pts
