Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Description

Dry

• Dry style
• Tropical fruit
• Ripe citrus
• Subtle acidity

"Powerful bouquet with aromas of ripe citrus and white orchard fruits, sweet herbs and passionfruit. This theme embraces the palate too with flavours that reflect the nose, salivating acidity, a salty grapefruit layer and a satin leesy textured energy. Youthful too needing just a little cellar time, but also delicious today with fresh shellfish and crisp summer dishes" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

A classic representaion of Sauvignon Blanc from the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, bursting with aromatic tropical fruit characters found in this warmer sub-region. This wine displays powerful aromas of blackcurrant, passionfruit and ripe rock-melon. The palate has an enticing array of ripe citrus mixed with pungent herbs such as fresh rosemary, finishing with subtle acidity.

The later ripening of the Bishell & Omaka Vineyards plays a key part of this wine contributing the pungent ripe almost sweaty passionfruit aromas and flavours, whereas the Rutherford Vineyard adds freshness and greener thiols such as boxwood.

A near-perfect growing season led up to 2020 harvest with fruit in pristine condition. The Summer was dry with high sunshine hours during  the day and the cooler nights that are typical  for Marlborough. Yields were at their optimum level and the stable Autumn weather allowed winemakers to extend the hangtime of the fruit on the vines to achieve physiological ripness.

Aromatic enhancing yeast strains, 100% stainless steel fermentation at cool temperature to enhance tropical fruit notes. Carefully monitored time on yeast lees to build texture and palate. Minimal palate fining using traditional products. Sterile lenticular filtration.