Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- In the French tradition, their vineyard is planted in high density to encourage competition between vines and restrain vigor. This natural vigor control means the vines put more energy into the grapes, rather than the canopy – concentrating the berries.
- Dry farming (using no irrigation) also helps keep vigor under control. By stressing the vines to just the right level, it forces the roots to go deeper in the soil, thereby getting the purest expression of our terroir and showing more minerality from the river stone soil.
- Organically grown.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: Fermentation occurred in 90% stainless steel and 10% old French oak barrels. The wine was then aged on fine yeast lees for 8 months with lees stirring, both of which enable Clos Henri to obtain a round Sauvignon Blanc with body and mouthfeel.
Tasting Notes: The nose is refined and complex showing some citrus notes evolving into white peach aromas, with underlying chalky minerality. Delicate on the palate, the wine is textural and rich from the lees aging with layers of minerals, citrus and profound acidity balancing this dry and elegant wine, followed by a long finish.
PRESS
2016 – 90+ Vinous | 91 Wine Advocate | 93 James Suckling
2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast | 94 James Suckling
2018 – 94 Wine Enthusiast | 93 James Suckling | 90 Wine Advocate
2019 – 95 James Suckling | 92 Wine Advocate
2020 – 95 James Suckling | 93 Wine Enthusiast
2021 – 94 James Suckling
2022 – 91 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.”