Dog Point : Sauvignon Blanc 2017

A Fragrant New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a Beautiful Texture on the Palate

One of the oldest privately established wine estates in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, Dog Point Vineyard sources its fruit from vines planted in the early 1980's. The terroir is characterized by free-draining silty clay loam and clay loam. The vineyards are managed following organic viticultural principles, such as the production of organic compost from vine prunings and winery waste with which to nourish the vines of the property. Cover crops, like buckwheat and phacelia, are planted between the vines, and the grass and weeds are grazed by 2,500 sheep and 25 steers. The 2017 vintage began with warm spring and summer weather, which resulted in even budbreak. December brought cool, dry and windy weather. A rainy February replenished the soil and autumn brought cool but very desirable growing conditions. The 2017 harvest at Dog Point was the shortest in the estate's history, occurring much later than usual due to very late summer weather.

The Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from Dog Point Winery is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are hand-harvested. The fruit is whole bunch pressed and cold settled before alcoholic fermentation, a portion of which is carried out with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then matured for 2-3 months in stainless steel vats before it is bottled. This wine is not fined.

In the glass, the Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from Dog Point Winery displays a pretty, pale straw yellow color. The nose expresses vibrant and perfumed varietal aromas of Sauvignon Blanc, including fresh white grapefruit juice and dried herbs, along with riper aromas of beeswax, honeysuckle, apricot and marmalade. Fermentation with indigenous yeast also lends this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc notes of wet flint and gravel. On the palate, this wine is juicy and generous, with a refreshing acidity and a well-rounded texture. The natural weight and presence in the mouth is a testament to the winery's philosophy of keeping the yield low from mature vines, grown in a quality terroir.