Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
The Dillon’s Point subregion of Marlborough in New Zealand is home to the Glover family and their wines. After four generations of dairy farmers lived and worked on this bit of land, Owen and Wendy Glover decided to give grapes a go and pioneered vine plantings in the subregion in the 1980’s. 19 years on the estate is run by winemaker, and something of a local legend, Ben Glover. Ben is a winemaker well worth following. Since launching his career in 1995, Ben has worked at several top New Zealand estates, including Wither Hills, and was an inaugural 2001 Len Evans scholar. He has spent years honing his considerable skills, all the while working as a highly respected judge at national and international competitions. Today Ben continues to be innovative and questioning, as illustrated by his collaboration with Liam Steevenson MW as part of the ethically and environmentally excellent SPOKE project. The wines of the estate reflect Ben’s trademark expressively elegant yet characterful style in aromatic wines of, as he describes it, ‘power and place that tread lightly on your palate’. As part of that the estate achieved organic certification in time for the 2020 vintage.

THE VINTAGE:
A cooler summer with a late summer flourish which helped to retain the acidity in the wine while achieving phenological ripeness. Low rainfall resulted in low disease pressure.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vineyards located at Dillons Point are organically farmed and will be certified organic in 2025. Situated 3 km from the ocean, the vines benefit from a maritime influence while the tidal activity of the nearby Opawa river give saline notes to the wines. Vines are VSP 3 cane trained and the grapes are hand harvested.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Grapes are whole bunch pressed straight to French oak where primary and malolactic fermentation using wild yeast takes place. Barrels routinely batonnaged on the full moon with minimal intervention throughout the process. 28% in amphora, 72% in barriques and puncheons (14% new) for 10 months.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
This wine shows dramatic funk and citrus notes with underlying exotic fruits and floral notes. The extended time on the natural lees gives an unexpected texture as well as a deliciously nutty character. A full-bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc with a dried herbal edge, vibrant acidity and a long, persistent finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Sauvignon Blanc 99%, Semillon 1%.

AWARDS:
• 93 Points Decanter, 2024
• 91 Points James Suckling, 2024