Domain Road Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Domain Road Sauvignon Blanc, Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2023

Grape: 100% hand-harvested Sauvignon Blanc from the Defiance & Domain Road vineyards, whole bunch pressing, 43% fermented in stainless steel and 57% in French oak barriques, lees stirring in barrel.

Winery Tasting Note:

The colour of pale lemon, with clear hues, our Sauvignon Blanc is dry in style, complex and mouth filling. Fragrant on the nose with passionfruit, guava and a hint of citrus.  Passionfruit, apricot, white melon, gooseberry and nettle, with a hint of flint, are evident on the palate. A full mid palate and bright acidity lead to a long complex citrus and tropical finish. 

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Fantastic bouquet, complex and mineral, pure fruited with scents of citrus and lees complexity, ripe white fleshed fruit suggesting peach ad rice red apple. Equally delicious as the one touches the palate with a core of mineral and salinity, acidity carries flavours suggested by the bouquet along wth a fine dried herb and gentle savoury lees quality. Overall a great texture and length"

95/100 points, Cameron Douglas, outstanding and Top Wine list, 2023

"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is softly full and poised, with aromas of orchard fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and creamy lees elements. Medium-light bodied, aromas of apple and pear melded with gooseberry, unfolding elderflower, a light dusting of white spice and subtle creaminess. The mouthfeel is delicate with fine-texture phenolics; the fruit is elegantly restrained, layered with spice and floral details, flows along with a soft and fine acid line to a moreish finish. Match with goat's cheese tart and steamed clams over the next 3+ years. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed, fermented in stainless steel (43%) and French oak barriques (57%) to 13.8% alc, weekly lees stirred."

18.5/20 points, Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, February 2024

Suggested food matches: Fish, seafood, white meats and salads. Goats cheese on toast.