Sauvignon Blanc – 2019

•  Fruit from Southern Valleys, Wairau and Waihopai Valleys
• Average yield 10.5 tons/acre

Blessed with a glorious, dry Summer, 2019 harvest commenced remarkably early, on March 1st. Vintage 2019 will be remembered as relatively trouble free, and a long harvest period – after the last few years when all varieties ripened at once, the slow, steady and spread out nature of 2019 was welcomed.

Wet conditions at flowering gave us loose and lighter bunches, the following hot dry summer allowed berries to ripen considerably faster. Fruit was harvested an optimum maturity with the intention to maintain fresh and vibrant acidity to balance concentration of the fruit.

Certified organic grapes were harvested in cool temperatures throughout the night, where possible. The fruit was chilled, crushed, destemmed and left for a period of 72 hours, to settle. The clear juice was then carefully racked into a variety of stainless steel vessels. The vessels were largely inoculated with specialist yeast, Alba Fria. A small proportion was left to ferment naturally, to help build texture and natural balance into the wine. A long, cool fermentation proceeded, to enhance the pure, distinctive flavors that are the hallmark of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. After a short period on lees, the wine was stabilized and filtered prior to bottling.

A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc displaying a vibrant nose with aromas of ripe tropical fruit, herbaceous notes and a lashing of citrus. The palate is lush, generous and textural, with subtle notes of lemon blossom and passionfruit. The finish is refreshing, crisp and dry.

100% Certified Organic Sauvignon Blanc grapes; Alcohol: 13%; Vine age – over 23 years; soils mixed alluvial silt and gravel; wet flowering season with hot summer and long harvest; fruit settled 72 hours before most lots inoculated with specialist Alba Fria yeast; small percentage utilized wild yeast; long, cool fermentation in stainless steel with short period on lees.

• 100% Certified Organic Sauvignon Blanc grapes
• Alcohol: 13%
• pH: 3.04
• TA: 6.2 g/L
• RS: 2.8 g/L
• Harvest complete: 4/13/19