Mills Reef Reserve Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Description

Dry, Gooseberry, Off-dry, Passionfruit

"Pungent, ripe, fruity and enticing bouquet with scents of fresh herbs and tropical fruits, grapefruit and peach, some mango and even a touch of baked pineapple. A satin-smooth touch on the palate is quickly replaced by a core of ripe fruits starting with pineapple then apple and peach. Acidity layers in texture and contrast while the herbaceous quality from the bouquet adds a soft complexity and varietal signature. Well made, dry on the finish and ready to drink from 2024 through 2027+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Sep 2023

This classic Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc is crafted in an off-dry style, with richness, depth and delightful aromas and flavours of luscious nashi, tomato leaf, passionfruit and gooseberry with a hint of lychee.

The grapes for this delicious Sauvignon Blanc were grown from a site selected block of our own Estate Hawkes Bay vineyards. With Cyclone Gabrielle arriving on the 13th Feb, harvest occurred after a moment of a long dry period.  March provided the ultimate growing conditions with some warm days and cool nights, enabling the fruit to have enhanced flavours while retaining acid. 2023 produced clean, healthy, flavoursome fruit under trying conditions.

Fermentation was initiated with specially selected Sauvignon]9+996lanc yeast and proceeded in a slow controlled manner to preserve both the varietal fruitiness and its aromatic intensity. It was lightly fined, but remains vegan friendly, followed by stabilisation prior to bottling on 11th August 2023 under screwcap.

Food Pairing: Deliciously appealing, enjoy on its own or try with an asparagus, avocado, grilled red pepper salad with goat’s cheese.