5 Stars - Yvonne Lorkin
95/100 - Cameron Douglas MS

Established in 1993, Clayvin Vineyard was Marlborough’s first commercial hillside vineyard. North facing, the vineyard planting is high density with 5,500 vines per hectare, compared with the typical Marlborough planting of 2000 - 2,500 vines per hectare. This density creates natural competition among the vines, reducing vigour, promoting root structure and intensity of flavour.

Selectively hand-picked to ensure the ‘harvest window’ for each sub-block was spot on and the fruit arrived at the winery in optimum condition. PRESSING/ FERMENTATION Whole bunch pressed with the free run juice settled and transferred to oak. Wild yeast starter creating a warm natural fermentation. Fermentation in 1000 litre German Oak ‘Fuder’ barrels, rested on lees for 11 months prior to racking, wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. Matured in oak for 10 months. 

WOW

93 Points - Cameron Douglas
"This is a barrel-fermented, lees aged and bottled aged release. Aromas are of a complete wine - with scents of baked peach and dried grapefruit peel, apple, a touch of quince, a leesy autolysis and gentle nutty quality from French oak. Lovely satin texture on the palate with contrasting acidity. The core of fruit, ferment and aged completeness this wine presents showcases the aromas suggested in the bouquet along with a fine nutty-oaky quality, mealy fine mouthfeel and a long finish. Balanced and well made. A food wine or alternative to chardonnay." (2018 vintage)

Giesens' Top of the pile Sauvignon Blanc! A barrel fermented beauty!!

A MARK OF THE MAN August Giesen’s outrageous legacy is inextricably tied to the Giesen story. So producing a wine elevated to its richest expression, with meticulous care from our winemakers, seemed a fitting tribute to a legend. Dry and flinty with rich, ripe tropical notes and layers of toasty almond and brioche flavours, it’s distinctive alright. 

Fruit was hand-harvested in the early morning and whole bunch pressed. The wine was matured for eleven months in third-use German oak Fuder barrels and seasoned French oak barriques.

The 2021 Estate Riesling is a blend from two of New Zealand’s outstanding cool climate grape growing regions. Waipara, with its cool, dry climate and good sunshine and Marlborough, renowned for its long warm days and cool evenings. With yields down in both regions, the remaining grapes enjoyed a long growing season helped by settled weather leading into harvest. The 2021 vintage will be long remembered as an outstanding vintage, with wines bursting with concentrated flavours.