Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2016/2017

Dog Point is one of the oldest privately established vineyards in Marlborough with first plantings in the late 1970s. The vineyard is centrally located at the confluence of the smaller Brancott and Omaka valleys. This location is widely considered to be a very desirable area for grape growing in the southern valleys of Marlborough.

The name came from the area of Marlborough that was once plague by feral dogs in early 20th century.

The vineyard only produces 4 wines under its own label, the ‘Section 94’ is the premium barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the reason, that this wine is very unlike what a typical Sauvignon Blanc offers in aroma and palate, the team decides not to label ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ on the front label, instead just ‘Section 94’. It’s made for people who understand.

The Sauvignon Blanc used to make this is 100% UCD1 clone fruit from ‘Section 94’ of the ‘Home’ vineyard.

Hand picked and gently pressed to tank for 24 hours of settling prior to 18 months fermentation and aging in older French Oak barrels. 100% natural ferment. Bottled without fining and only minimal filtration. For a relatively warmer year in Marlborough, the alcohol level comes naturally dry at 14%. While the wine was in oak, it experienced with some bâtonnage of its lee, however Malolactic fermentation had been prevented for this particular vintage.

The wine is certified BioGro organic. In fact Dog Point vineyard is the largest producer in New Zealand to do so.

The palate of this wine is fresh and brisk across the palate, the wine is youthful and energetic upfront before the complexities and rounded textures of extended barrel maturation present themselves. The finish is complex, with citrus, saline and toasty flavours lingering.