Dog Point Vineyard

Sauvignon Blanc 2018

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 2-3 months in tanks, bottled without fining, and aged further in bottle.

Vintage

2018 harvest will be remembered as the shortest one ever at Dog Point Vineyard. It brought records all around, with the warmest January on record in 60 years as well as the highest rainfall recorded in February. Overall, a mild spring and above average early/mid-summer temperatures ensured excellent fruit quality and a rewarding vintage.

Additional canopy management was required due to the rain, including under vine weeding and inter row mowing to better allow sunlight and wind penetration.

Tasting Note

Pale straw in color, with aromas that are vibrant and perfumed, characterized by freshly squeezed citrus that are complemented by flinty and smoky notes. The wine’s juicy palate and fresh acidity upfront is followed by a soft, round texture.

This weight and texture reflects the philosophies of employing low yielding, mature vines growing on the silty-clay loam soils of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys.

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 hte 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

"Succulent wrap of smooth-textured fruit"

James Suckling - October 25, 2019 "This offers a complex take on fruit-driven sauvignon style with fresh limes and lemons, as well as peaches on offer and there’s a succulent wrap of smooth-textured fruit to close."

Wine Advocate - March 29, 2019

"The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is on the tropical end of the spectrum, with hints of guava, pineapple and nectarine—a real fruit bowl. It's medium-bodied and silky in texture, with a long, flavorful finish."

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Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Pinot Noir

Dog Point's renown as a Sauvignon Blanc producers has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm around their Pinot Noir, today considered one of the finest in New Zealand. What sets their wine apart is the generosity of the structure, which comes off as rich but not sweet, and the complex mingling of fruit and savory notes.

Chardonnay

Several influential voices in the wine industry believe that in time Chardonnay may prove New Zealand's single highest achievement. All three of the Dog Point wines fermented in barrel are small in production, but the Chardonnay is the smallest, and and times indeed the most dazzling.

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.