Te Whare Ra TWR Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Description

Te Whare Ra (TWR) is a small vineyard and winery located in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick. The 11Ha vineyard was first planted in 1979 and since 2003 has been owned by winemakers Anna and Jason Flowerday. Yields are kept low, the vineyard is managed with a combination of organic and biodynamic practices and all the fruit is handpicked and hand-sorted.  The wines are made with minimal intervention in a small winery which has been specifically set up for small-batch winemaking.  The aromatic wines have carved out a reputation for TWR as a member of New Zealand’s elite, while the improbably good Syrah and Pinot Noir are opening people’s eyes to Marlborough’s potential for red wines of distinction. Biodynamic producer, certified organic.

Anna Flowerday hails from McLaren Vale and kicked off her career there amid a thoroughly talented pack of young winemakers in the mid-1990s. She worked for Hardys for seven years all up, culminating in an aromatically formative stint at Leasingham in Clare Valley. It was during her time at Hardys that she met and fell in love with Jason Flowerday, a third-generation viticulturalist from Marlborough. Eventually they struck out together and in 2003 bought Te Whare Ra, home to one of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough, originally planted in 1979. Together they manage the estate with a combination of organic and biodynamic practices and have cemented this region’s reputation not only as an impeccable source of aromatic whites but also as a force to be reckoned with for both Pinot Noir and Syrah.

About this wine from the winemaker: “This 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is a blend from three specially selected vineyards in two different sub-regions of Marlborough. Two of the vineyards are in the Wairau valley – Flowerday family & Te Whare Rā and the third is in the upper Awatere Valley – Shamrock. This release was all grown and made by the Flowerday family which brings us so much joy (Harvest Date: TWR 19th & 21st March, Flowerday 28th March, Shamrock 8th April).

“The larger parcels of fruit for this wine were select machine picked and the home block portion was all hand-picked and hand-sorted. The free-run and soft pressings parcels were combined for fermentation. The majority of the parcels underwent slow, cool fermentation in stainless, with 10% of the blend fermented at warmer temps in older French oak demi-muids. All parcels spent time on fine lees, post ferment for texture. This wine has not been fined and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and anyone else who loves authentic, hand-made wines.

“Our aim with this, our classic style of Sauvignon Blanc, is to put 100% effort into making a wine that silences all the doubters and which restores faith in this region and the amazing quality of the wines from here.”

“Our 2022 release shows distinctive Awatere characters of elderflower, guava, and white currant, coupled with lovely ripe passionfruit & tropical notes and hints of basil and lime from the Wairau. These follow through to the palate – which is fine and soft with loads of fleshy fruit balanced by a ripe, juicy acidity and lingering minerality. There is real fruit weight here and that is complimented by lovely texture from the time on lees and the barrel parcels – It is utterly delicious.” – Anna Flowerday

94 points, Bob Campbell, The Real Review “Smooth, seamless sauvignon with lemongrass, capsicum, lime, passionfruit and subtle mineral flavours. Refreshingly dry with a crisp, mouthwatering and lengthy finish. Refined and sophisticated wine.”

93 Points, James Suckling for James Suckling.com “A more Sancerre-like sauvignon blanc with sliced green apples, spiced pears, crushed stones and some gooseberries. Medium to full body. Round mouth-feel and steely acidity. From organically grown grapes.”

93 points, Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak “Wonderfully aromatic and exotic with grapefruit, tomato leaf and green pepper, as well as some passionfruit. The palate is concentrated, fresh and bold with lively citrus and a juicy, vital intensity. Really lovely.”

RRP $33  *Our Special Price $26.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*