2018 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc

Fruit from various vineyard sites in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, the central Wairau Plains (specifically in Woodbourne, Renwick and Rapaura) and a river terrace site in the upper Awatere Valley. Soil types vary from the young alluvial soils of Rapaura, Renwick and the upper Awatere, which contain high proportions of greywacke river stones, to the older and denser clay-loams of the Southern Valleys. Harvested largely by machine during cool (often cold) night-time conditions. Lightly pressed. Cold settled prior to fermentation in stainless steel, primarily using cultured yeast for cool, slow fermentation. A portion was allowed to undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeast. All individual vineyard batches were left on lees and kept separate until late July, when the blend was assembled. Bottled under screwcap. TA7.3 g/l, pH 3.14. Invitingly lighly smoky with some attractive sulphur-related notes that add complexity to the pure, lively lemon and clementine fruit. Blackcurrant leaf and grapefruit zest. Tastes as if there might be a tiny bit of residual sugar here to balance the very high acidity, but it is in harmony. That slightly smoky character is nicely done – not too extreme and not overwhelming the fruit. Just a slight feeling of sweet-sour on the finish. (JH)