Flinty and smoky
Stephen Wong MW in Cellar Talk Become a member to view this article
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Guide to Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon Feature Week
Pegasus Bay Whole Bunch Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2024, North Canterbury, NZD $28
A complex wine which has built-in depth from a myriad of winemaking techniques. Picked in batches of different flavour profiles, the free-run juice was tank-fermented while selected parcels were fermented on whole bunches for 200 days adding spice, phenolics and savoury complexity. There was also a small addition of barrel-aged sémillon.
A hint of flint gives way to inviting aromas of blackcurrant bush, bay leaf, woodsmoke and nutmeg. The palate is concentrated, bursting with fruit and generously flavoursome through to the dry, grainy finish where a touch of oak spice emerges. Tightly defined by crisp acidity and wood tannins, it has a firm drive and structure which will allow it to develop more savoury layers in the coming years. (Screwcap)
Score: 93 ★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: now to 2029
Food: crispy salt and pepper squid
Stockists: Pegasus Bay Wines; Blackmarket online, Caro’s Wines, Auckland and online; Vino Fino, Christchurch and online (NZ)
Ranked: #15 of 168 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
Awarded:Â Top Rank