A STICKY END NOBLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021

TASTING NOTE

Concentrated aromas of guava, jasmine and honeysuckle are supported by a fresh oak presence. The rich palate shows flavours of melon and white peach while secondary flavours of fig and caramel promote intrigue. The wine finishes boldly with a prevalent acid structure drawing out the palate to a salivating finish.

FOOD MATCHING

A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2021 goes well with dried meats, strong cheeses as well as rich deserts. Try it with a classic crème brulee served with vanilla bean ice cream.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

3 – 4 Years

ORIGIN

Sourced from Block 23 on our Waihopai River Vineyard, Marlborough.

VARIETY

100% Sauvignon Blanc.

WINEMAKING

Once noble botrytis infection was well established throughout the blocks, selected bunches were hand harvested at around 36 brix and whole bunch pressed into stainless tanks. The clear juice was settled and racked into 320L French oak “cigars”, 28% new. A long slow fermentation occurred over winter with lees stirring to build palate weight. After fermentation, the wine was left in oak until September before assemblage, filtration and bottling.

ANALYSIS

• Alcohol - 11.7%
• pH - 3.72
• T.A - 7.2g/L
• Residual sugar - 174g/L
• Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season had an ideal start – early bud burst after a record warm, dry winter (the second warmest since 1932), and an unusually uneventful frost period. Wet weather in the critical months of November and December challenged flowering and fruit set but the southerly position of the Waihopai Valley, with its typically later flowering, protected most of our vineyards from the worst impacts.

Harvest started early due to optimal grape ripening from dry summer months and record sunshine hours. Fruit was harvested in pristine condition with a calm, steady flow undeterred by significant rain mid-harvest.

Despite smaller yield we captured fruit flavours at their best aided by the absence of vineyard disease, an overall moderately warm, dry season, and proactive harvest plans. The team are very excited by the quality of harvest 2021.

GOLD

• Marlborough Wine Show 2022
• Dish Magazine NZ Sweet Wines 2023

5 STARS

• WineOrbit: Sam Kim 2022

"A lavish rendition, the irresistible bouquet shows mango, honey, dried herb, roasted hazelnut and fragrant spice aromas, followed by an opulent palate that’s filled with delicious complex flavours with fabulous sweetness. The acid balance is spot on, and with velvety texture and refreshing mouthfeel, it’s hugely appealing. At its best: now to 2027."

• The Real Review: Bob Campbell 2022 - Top Rank

"Soft, moderately sweet dessert wine that shows remarkable fruit and botrytis purity. Delicious wine with apricot, peach and honey flavours. Great value at this price."

96 POINTS

• WineState New Releases 2022 - Top in Category

94 POINTS

• Cameron Douglas MS 2022

"A very noble bouquet with scents of honey and poached stone fruits, pineapple and pear. Very creamy and silky on the palate with flavours that reflect the bouquet plus a tropical fruits and fresh herb quality reflecting the variety. Sweet with contrasting acidity and core of fruit flavours. Delicious, creamy and ready with best drinking from day of purchase through 2027+."