Čuvar Guardian Ballochdale Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Description

Dry, Herbal, Oak

"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is elegantly expressed with aromas of citrus, guava, elderflower and a touch of herb. Medium-bodied, aromas of lemon, lime melded with guava, elderflower, basil and white spice. A mineral-textured palate led by a taut yet fine acid line persists to a complex, crisp, long finish" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Apr 2024

This wine reminds me of walking barefoot on a camomile lawn as the flower aromas waft up and wrap itself around the complimenting nettle and citrus notes with a very subtle nose of the beginning of making a roux sauce – gently toasted butter and flour. This is the result of fermenting a portion in very used oak barriques and lees maturation. A delightful expression of nature’s harmony with a little dressing up from the winemaking in every sip.

Ballochdale, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 100% The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, and evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.

2023 was a textbook vintage for Marlborough. Clear blue-sky days with sporadic clouds and cool nights, which Sauvignon Blanc thrives on and ensures fruit purity. We hand-picked at the optimal time off a specific slope on a block that received the most sun, to ensure we captured the ripeness of the fruit and the acidity necessary to craft a perfectly balanced wine.

40% tank fermented in various vessels to enable a wide range of yeast and fermentation temperatures to add to the development of the palate structure. 60% in used oak barriques of which 50% underwent natural ferment. The wines were left on their yeast lees until just prior to blending.