Saperavi 2019

Another stunning growing season, confirming Marlborough as one of the worlds best wine region, perfect for this ancient grape variety from Georgia. With our low crop philosophy and meticulously vineyard work, we handpicked this late ripening grape variety during a stunning ‘Indian’ summer, already on the 30 March with incredible purity at full physiological ripeness. The flesh of this dark-skinned grape is deep pink to produce wines that command attention and at our tiny yield level, devotion. At such concentration, Saperavi with its natural high level of fruit sugar, tannin and acidity turns in a seductive powerhouse like no other wine.

'The pure fruit was destemmed, with 50% whole berries, allowing a long cold soak for a slow, soft extraction of colour and flavours from the grape skins. The must went naturally through a wild fermentation for a true expression of the grape variety and its terroir, as it is not influenced by added yeast or any other additions. In total, the must was left 20 days on the skins before being pressed and transferred into three new 225 litre French barriques, one from Swiss oak, for the natural malolactic fermentation. The young wine matured for 18 months in the same barrels making it a contender for a long life. Unfined (vegan) and unfiltered to retain the great flavours. Natural sediments may show. A natural wine built to last forever...'

This wine will bring the most critical wine lover to wine heaven. The gorgeous intense, inky colour metamorphoses into a savoury lusciousness. One of the tasting team called it a sexy Georgian in a glass. Deep, rich and packed with black fruit almost jumping out of the glass. Maturing in new barrels refined the powerful tannins to a classy elegance. Rich and complex, multi-layered with an staggering backbone of fruit, acidity and tannin, each sip giving you more and more pleasure. A dazzling wine experience for a wine to cherish. Tasted July 2022.

Such a substantial wine loves a substantial meal… or feet up, sip and relax!

James Suckling 94/100

16 Mar, 2024 – Blackberry, dark plum and chocolate aromas with blue flower undertones throughout. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a focus and precision that brings you back for more. Terrific wine from a lesser-know grape better know in Russia. Drink or hold.

16 Mar, 2024 – Blackberry, dark plum and chocolate aromas with blue flower undertones throughout. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a focus and precision that brings you back for more. Terrific wine from a lesser-know grape better know in Russia. Drink or hold.