Earthsong Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Fuyu persimmon, magnolia blossoms and kumquats

As you will read below we are immense fans of the wines from Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan and their Thistledown project. This year Giles embarked on a solo project, crafting this single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Generally I think that most Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is ubiquitous however this one really rises above the rest.

At the heart of this wine is the single vineyard where the grapes are grown called Dillon Point, in the lower Wairau Valley. This is the oldest area in Marlborough for grape plantings and closest to the provincial capital of Blenheim. With the Southern Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the vineyards in this area are shielded from the fiercest weather of the area. This allows for a slow ripening of the fruit under normally sunny skies. Giles breaks with convention in the region and picks all the grapes at the same time when they are perfectly ripe. Most in Marlborough pick twice; once as the grapes reach early ripeness and then again when a portion of the fruit is really overripe. This is what creates the sweet/sour quality that is pervasive in the wines of Marlborough.

When you open this wine and pour a glass you will immediately see the difference in the broad spectrum of the bouquet. It has the classic aromas of gooseberry preserves and pink grapefruit, but then expands with more complex notes of Fuyu persimmon, magnolia blossoms and kumquats. On the palate this wine shows surprising texture and richness, but also retains excellent freshness into the long finish. Serve this with shrimp cocktail, creamy cheeses or even a quiche Lorraine.