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Dog Point Vineyard

Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Marlborough

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Section 94 is one of the world’s most distinct wines, and regularly named New Zealand’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc. It’s so tough to place, which is extraordinary given that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most defined and recognizable wine styles in the world. The exotic smoky and spicy flavors mingling with floral and ripe citrus notes, textural roundness playing against cool and fresh raciness; it’s not about generalities of the grape variety or the region, it’s a very specific wine made to emphasize the qualities of a very special place.

Section 94 is Dog Point’s signature wine, an update on James’ Healy’s Te Koko, the barrel-fermented Sauvignon he created while at Cloudy Bay. The names refers to the singular parcel of old vines where the grapes are sourced.  Fruit is hand-picked at low yields (virtually unheard of in New Zealand), green harvested at times (totally crazy), and fermented entirely with native yeasts. The wine sees extended aging in barrel with virtually no intervention. High risk winemaking resulting in high reward individuality.

 

Vineyard

The single vineyard parcel called Section 94 was planted in 1992. The vineyard is managed to reduce yields, and as is the case with all Dog Point wines, fruit is hand-picked (only 5% of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is hand-picked).
The soils are free draining silty clay loams on the flats of the valley, as these express intense citrus and grapefruit flavors. Dog Point operates under what is called the “Biogro” program, an initiative to promote the production of premium quality wine utilizing environmentally friendly and responsible practices.

Winemaking

Hand picked and gently pressed to tank for 24 hours of settling prior to eighteen months fermentation and aging in older French Oak barrels. 100% natural ferment. Bottled without fining and only minimal filtration.

Vintage

A mild spring free of frosts was followed by a cool flowering period in December, which lead to tempered yields for much of the region. This was followed by an extremely dry and warm summer with only 10% of the typical rainfall for the months of January and February. A welcomed burst of rain fell during March, giving vitality to the vines, enabling a healthy and relaxed end to the growing season in early April. 2019 was one of the earliest harvest completion dates, with all sauvignon being picked by the 4th of April. A very rewarding vintage for Dog Point.

Tasting Note

Pale straw in color. A more restrained Section 94 from earlier harvest dates. Fresh lemon and oatmeal aromas upfront leading to toasty and biscuit notes. In the background, aromas of honey, citrus blossoms and jasmine flowers linger.

Fresh and brisk across the palate, the wine is youthful and energetic upfront before the complexities and rounded textures of extended barrel maturation present themselves. The finish is complex, with citrus, saline and toasty flavors lingering.

Drinks beautifully now or can be cellared for 10+ years.

Pairings

A great meal accompaniment, we enjoy this wine with a variety of fish, poultry and soft white cheeses. It is especially great with salmon!

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation

Marlborough

Farming

Certified Organic & Sustainable. All vineyards were converted to organic farming in 2009. 2,000 sheep graze and fertilize in winter; prunings are composted and spread; 25 steer also graze the property.

Alcohol

13%

Suggested Retail Price

$38

Reviews

94

"Fleshy and smooth"

James Suckling - November 11, 2020 "The complex style is nicely dialed-in here, offering a fresh array of grilled lemon and peach with some gently nutty aromas, as well as a lime-curd edge. Really fresh. The palate has fleshy and smooth texture with praline-like flavors sitting in a fresh citrus and peach core."

95

"Lime zest, white grapefruit, dried pineapple"

James Suckling - January 31, 2022 "Flinty, reductive notes open up to lime zest, white grapefruit, dried pineapple, hay, white pepper and hints of praline. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and a phenolic, tight and taut palate. Focused and long." - JS "Top 100 Best Values"

93

"Lime sherbet and dried chamomile"

Wine Advocate - August 23, 2022 "While fleshy and succulent, this leads with crisp acidity. Offers notes of lanolin, litsea oil, honeysuckle, lemon curd, lime sherbet and dried chamomile, which are put into focus with mouthwatering acidity. Reveals mineral accents, reminiscent of white pepper, that linger on the long finish." - M.W 8/22

92

Wine Enthusiast - February 13, 2023 April 2023 Issue

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