Description

The 2024 Alpine Rift Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant interpretation of the classic Marlborough style. Enticing aromas of white-fleshed nectarine, papaya and honeydew melon with a hint of mandarin and jalapeno on the nose are underpinned by a ripe, richly textured palate and crisp, citrus finish.

Nestled between New Zealand's Southern Alps and the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, lies a major geological Faultline, a landscape shaped over millions of years. Mountains, thrust up over the millennia, provide shelter from wild westerly winds and the ancient glacial soils and cool, sunny climate create the perfect growing conditions for one of the world's greatest wines: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Fruit was sourced from a selection of exceptional sites across Marlborough's Southern Valleys, Central Wairau Plains and Awatere Valley. A combination of heavier loess clay soil, naturally low yields and open canopies allowed the vines to ripen small, golden bunches of intensely flavoured fruit.

The fruit was harvested by machine and transported directly to the winery where it was gently pressed and cold settled for three days. The juice was racked to a combination of stainless-steel tanks and old French oak puncheons where a mix of cultured and indigenous 'wild' yeast were allowed to ferment the juice through to dryness. Each batch was left on lees and kept separate until May when the blend was assembled prior to bottling in July.

"The 2024 Alpine Rift Sauvignon Blanc leads with gooseberry and kiwi fruit, green apples and lemon barley. There is white pineapple and enoki mushroom as well. Wild ferment in old oak barrels gives the wine some texture and drive, which makes for attractive drinking. This is a good wine. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink to 2027."
92 points. Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (December 2024)