In Marlborough it’s the something in the air (and the soil, water, and mountains) that helps to produce such stellar sauv blanc. Extended periods of sunshine are moderated by mild ocean and protective mountains creating a long and temperate growing season. Astrolabe is a good example of this, with a refined and gorgeous nose heavy with lemon grass, lime zest, elderflower and red pepper complimented by flavours of white peach, gooseberry and a clean crystalline mineral finish.
Awards and Accolades
95 Points - Bob Cambell, Decanter Magazien "A fine example of the Awatere Valley style, which showcases gooseberry, green capsicum, nettle, wet stone minerals and a suggestion of tomato leaf. This is intense, high-energy Sauvignon Blanc."
From the Winery
The fruit was machine harvested in cool evening conditions, de-stemmed and lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. Clear, cold-settled juice was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperatures, using neutral wine yeast strains to allow the powerful fruit flavours to dominate.
A record dry, early and warm season in Marlborough, with growing degree days 10% above the long-term average, and 40% of the normal rainfall. A lack of our usual blustery winds in the lead up to harvest ensured that groundwater and irrigation delivered healthy vine canopies. Crops were naturally in balance with the soils, and the resulting wines show good concentration.
