Earthsong, Dillon's Point Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2022

Producer Profile

We are drawn to the River. Where the Earth gives up its source, the mellifluous rumble, riffle, hiss and glide resonates and chimes.

The plaintive cry of birds, where sound and light become one. It is Our Happy Place, somewhere we can zone out and tune in to Earthsong.

Viticulture

Sourced from one, regeneratively farmed vineyard in the renowned Dillon’s Point area of the lower Wairau. The vineyard is not tilled, extensive cover crops are used and sheep are run in the vineyard over winter to provide nutrients. During the growing season, vines are shoot thinned to provide ideal fruit exposure and ripeness. Proximity to the ocean provides night time cooling which helps to preserve the crisp acids and brininess.

Winemaking

Fruit is the star of the show here so winemaking is relatively simple. Machine harvested cool to preserve freshness. Fermented in tank and matured on fine lees in tank until bottling.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Dillon’s Point is renowned for producing Sauvignon Blancs with tropical fruit notes and passion fruit to the fore. There are hints of blackcurrant and grapefruit too. The palate is rich, bright and zesty with a slight briny tang. This wine has real intensity of fruit, with a lovely crisp, mineral finish.

Food Matching

Sushi and sashimi, seafood-based steamed and fried dim sum.

Awards

Bob Campbell MW 93 Points
Rich, flavoursome sauvignon with passionfruit, cut grass, green capsicum and tomato leaf flavours. Weighty, complex wine with good mouth-feel and a lingering finish. 93 Points, BC, 2023.
Cam Douglas Master Sommelier 93 Points
There’s no mistaking the pungency and distinctiveness in the bouquet with an equally distinctive palate loaded with flavours of fresh white fleshed fruits, lemon and grapefruit, pineapple and mango, basil and mineralised stony soil qualities. Crisp, just dry, balanced, fresh and well made. A classic wine style ready to drink from day or purchase through end of summer 2025+. 93 Points, CD, May 2023
Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91 Points.
The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Dillon's Point leads with the distinct passionfruit, guava, lychee, green apple and white miso/enoki mushroom character that the subregion is so known for; it's hugely aromatic. In the mouth, the wine follows the path set out by the aromas and is intensely salty, concentrated and vibrant. Totally typical Marlborough Sauv Blanc here but made by an Englishman living in Australia. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.’ 91 Points, EL, November 2023.