Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc Clay

Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc “Clay”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Immensely appealing and different approach to a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Sourced from a parcel of vines situated on Waimaunga Windblown Clays, this wine is a pure terroir representation of the most exceptional rows.
  • Vine age is 18 years. Aging potential of 10-20 years.
  • Following French tradition, the vineyard is planted in high density. This encourages competition between vines and restrains vigor, ensuring grapes divert their energy to the grapes and resulting in concentrated berries.
  • Minimal irrigation and organic farming practices are used on the vineyard.

Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Elaboration: Wild fermentation occurs in older Austrian oak demi-muids. The wine was then aged on fine yeast lees for 20 months with lees stirring. Unfiltered and unfined with minimum handling and low sulphur.

Tasting Notes: Lemons, dill, cucumber, green apples and seashells are present on the nose. Evolves to fresh nutmeg and chalky minerality. Lots of phenolic tension, texture and intensity with a medium body.

PRESS

2019 – 95 James Suckling | 90 Vinous

2020 – 98 Wine Enthusiast | 95 James Suckling

2021 – 94 James Suckling

2022 – 95 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.”