Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc “Stones”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Immensely appealing and different approach to a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
- Sourced from a parcel of vines situated on Otira Glacial Stones, this wine is a pure terroir representation of the most exceptional rows and showing more minerality.
- 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: Aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, cedro peel, green pineapples, blanched almonds and Jasmine. Juniper berries, too. Taut and flinty, it is creamy and textured at the same time.
PRESS
2019 – 96 James Suckling | 93 Vinous
2020 – 96 Wine Enthusiast | 95 James Suckling
2021 – 93 James Suckling
2022 – 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.”