2014 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Accolades
Gold Medal - China International Wine and Spirits Competition
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide
Silver Medal - Korea Wine Challenge
Silver Medal - International Aromatic Wine Competition 2014
Silver Medal - Marlborough Wine Show 2014
5 STARS / Top 10 - Wine Orbit
Tasting Note
Colour / Appearance:Pale straw with a bright clarity. Aroma / Bouquet:Lifted passionfruit, gooseberry and white currant fruit flavours, with notes of nettle, red capsicum and boxwood. Palate:A medium bodied wine with a vibrant acidity. The intense fruit flavours persist on the lengthy clean, dry finish. Shows vibrant varietal aromas, making a powerful palate impression that is quintessential Marlborough. Cellaring:We recommend drinking while young and fresh, however the wine is capable of developing nicely over the next three to five years if carefully cellared. Food Match:A perfect accompaniment to summer salads, poultry and shellfish, such as Marlborough’s famous green-lipped mussels. Also try with lobster and white fish. Serve:Lightly chilled.
Wine Analysis
Alcohol:13.0%Residual Sugar:3.3 g/L Titratable Acidity:6.8 g/L pH:3.21
Viticulture
Harvest Date:24th March – 14th April 2014 Climate:The season started with an early budburst due to a warm winter. A warm, dry spring and early summer resulted in ideal growing conditions and healthy yields. Mid-season rain spells aided plant growth and canopy vigour. Some cooler weather over January was followed by a warm, dry ripening period. Vine Management:Vines are trained to three or four canes on a vertical trellis. Balanced pruning, shoot thinning, tucking and trimming are used to achieve an open, healthy canopy and clean fruit.
Vinification
Winemaking:The fruit was machine harvested in cool evening conditions and pressed immediately with minimal skin contact. After settling, the clear juice was fermented at very low temperatures with selected yeast strains to preserve the inherent varietal flavours. The wine was fermented entirely in stainless steel. Winemaker:Sam Smail and Diana Katardzhieva