Earthsong Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Fuyu persimmon, magnolia blossoms and kumquats

We are immense fans of the wines from Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan and their Thistledown project. A couple of years ago, 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 truly rises above the rest.

At the heart of this wine is the single vineyard where the grapes are grown, called Dillon Point, located in the lower Wairau Valley. This is the oldest area in Marlborough for grape plantings and is 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. This allows for a slow ripening of the fruit under normally sunny skies. While we resist the temptation to call this "Sancerre-like" it is more savory and drier than most Marlborough examples,

When you open this wine and pour a glass, you will immediately notice the difference in the broad spectrum of the bouquet. It has the classic aromas of gooseberry preserves and pink grapefruit, expanding with more complex notes of Fuyu persimmon, magnolia blossoms, and kumquats. On the palate, this wine shows surprising texture and richness while retaining excellent freshness into the long finish. Serve it with garlic shrimp, pasta with spring vegetables, or chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta cheese.