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Dog Point Vineyard

Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Marlborough

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The ultimate vision for us, and for many others, of vibrant and perfumed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Dog Point’s Sauvignon Blanc takes a category of wine and completely transcends it, with an intensity, depth and energy that so obviously sets it apart from the first encounter. Dog Point actually began their history making only the radical Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2 year barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc that sits entirely out of the category. When they decided to make a pure stainless steel vinified Sauvignon Blanc, they kept the same philosophical foundation: pushing to the ultimate every process to produce top quality, distinctive wine.

They hand-pick fruit at low yields (virtually unheard of in New Zealand), green harvest at times (totally crazy), and ferment partially with indigenous yeasts. This wine has helped make Dog Point such an important advocate of premium wine production in New Zealand, and for New Zealand throughout the world. Don’t forget to leave a bottle or two in the cellar; the wine ages beautifully.

 

Vineyard

The grapes are hand-picked from eight separate vineyard parcels owned by Dog Point within the Wairau Valley. Yields are around 50 hl/ha (so not far from Grand Cru Bordeaux in a good year). Their Sauvignon Blanc is mainly planted on free draining silty clay loams on the flats of the valley, as these express intense citrus and grapefruit flavors. Dog Point operates under what is called the “Biogro” program, an initiative to promote the production of premium quality wine utilizing environmentally friendly and responsible practices, details of which are further down.

Winemaking

The handpicked fruit was sorted both in the vineyard and again at the winery. The grapes were then whole-cluster pressed, reducing the extraction of vegetative pyrazines and bitter anthocyanins, and fermented in stainless steel using a combination of indigenous and cultured yeasts. The wine was then aged for 4 months in tanks, bottled without fining, and aged further in bottle.

Vintage

A cool and frosty start to the growing season and flowering period, naturally reduced yields to our lowest levels in over 20 years. Novembers rain was welcomed prior to the driest summer on record with only 66mm (50% lower than average) over this period. Temperatures were warm, only slightly above average, which enabled a smooth, steady growing season with little disease pressure. The low yields resulted in the earliest harvest for Dog Point, picking all the Sauvignon before the end of March.

Tasting Note

Pale straw. Bright, fresh, citrus characters predominate with subtle, riper tones of tropical fruit as well as jasmine and orange blossom details in the background. A crunchy palate bursting with pure grapefruit with juicy tropical fruit, saline texture and crisp, refreshing acidity. The low yields have meant generous concentration and a lengthy finish.

Organic Initiatives

Dog Point have farmed organically for over a decade, are now certified. From a sustainability standpoint, their major work is with turning vine pruning and mulch into organic compost for use on the property; planting cover crop to encourage beneficial insects for biological control of pests; and bringing in 2,500 sheep and 25 steers in the winter to keep weeds down and add organic matter to the soil.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation

Marlborough

Farming

All vineyards were converted to organic farming in 2009. 2,500 sheep graze and fertilize in winter; prunings are composted and spread; 25 steer also graze the property.

Alcohol

13%

Suggested Retail Price

$25.00

Reviews

92

"Candied ginger, Marmelade"

Wine Spectator - September 2, 2022 "Intriguing and aromatic, this has a singed note to the up-front peach, honeysuckle and jasmine flavors, but the lush core is pure melon, apricot and lemon curd on a fleshy frame. Finishes with candied ginger, marmalade and spice, with fresh, vibrant acidity."-M.W 8/22

91

Wine Enthusiast - February 13, 2023 April 2023 Issue

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Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc

Section 94 is widely regarded as the most distinctive and greatest Sauvignon Blanc being made in New Zealand today. James Healy and Ivan Sutherland were among the first to begin fermenting their Sauvignon in barrel with wild yeasts, a technique that along with the old vines they use, leads to a full-bodied wine that is less fruit-forward, more exotic, and has immense textural complexity.

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