Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Section 94 is Dog Point's signature wine. James Healy, former oenologist at the famous Cloudy Bay estate, had the idea of ​​fermenting a Sauvignon Blanc in barrels. The name Section 94 refers to a unique plot of old vines and soils perfect for the expression of Sauvignon. This organic parcel was planted in 1992. The vineyard is managed to reduce yields, and as is the case with all Dog Point wines, the fruit is hand-picked (only 5% of the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zeeland is hand-picked). Fermentation with native yeasts and aging take place in old French oak barrels for a period of 18 months . There is minimal filtration before bottling. In this wine we detect exotic smoky and spicy flavors mingling with floral and ripe citrus notes. Very complex, notes of lemon , grapefruit , peach, toasted almond , apricot , passion fruit , biscuit, flint , vanilla and honey intermingle on the palate. Fresh and lively, the wine has great energy and a slightly creamy texture. The finish is persistent, with salty, toasted and citrus notes. A gourmet Sauvignon Blanc that can improve for more than 10 years in the cellar.

Introduced in 1819, the cultivation of vines was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled in January 1838 to develop the New Zealand vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the production hazards first due to Phylloxera and then to the First World War, this vineyard began to expand again during the Second World War when its surface area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread between the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The long, thin shape of the country means that vineyards are never more than 120km from the coast and most are even much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A spine of mountains running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Due to these winds, there are few wine growing regions on the west coast of New Zealand. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines is well established. Indeed, this country produces some of the best and most recognized Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has succeeded in making Sauvignon blanc its symbol, just like its sheep, its kiwi and its legendary haka!