Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc is named after the ancient glaciation period that formed this exceptional terroir of Otira Glacial Stones. Otira is the purest expression of its site.
- The vine age is between 13-18 years.
- Following French tradition the vineyard is planted in high density, encouraging competition between vines and restraining vigor. This ensures grapes divert their energy to the grapes, resulting in concentrated berries.
- Dry farming and organic practices are used in creating this wine.
- This wine can be aged 5-10 years from vintage.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: Gentle pressing straight to the tank allows for the retention of the aromatic freshness of the wine. Fermentation occurred in 85% stainless steel and 10% old French oak barrels. The wine was then aged on fine yeast lees for 8 months with lees stirring, to obtain a round Sauvignon Blanc with body and mouthfeel. A further 6 months of tank and barrel aging is employed to ensure balance before bottling.
Tasting Notes: Ripe peach and candied citrus notes are layered with a subtle elderflower approach. Intensely rich, yet balanced, the palate offers weight and texture. Elegant, structured acid complements the juicy notes with good tension. A not from the terroir, a stony minerality leaves a lengthy and full-bodied finish.
PRESS
2021 – 93 James Suckling
2022 – 95 Wine Advocate | 96 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Nestled under the southern foothills of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, Clos Henri is the wine estate meticulously established and organically run by the famous Sancerre wine growing family of Henri Bourgeois. From the three different soil types of the estate, the family uses the best of French and New World winegrowing techniques to capture the essence of Marlborough’s intense character and reveal the identity and depth of the Clos Henri terroir. Textural and elegant, these wines are quite a bit different from the New Zealand “norm.”