Settlement
Heritage Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough
Settlement Heritage Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc comes from 30-year-old vines rooted in free-draining silt and clay loams in the Wairau River Valley. Organically farmed and barrel-fermented in part, the wine shows smooth flavors of melon and mint layered over Marlborough’s signature intensity and drive. Elevated acidity and steely texture give structure, while the 15% oak fermentation adds depth and roundness. This is a supple, balanced Sauvignon Blanc that sets a new benchmark for quality in New Zealand from a new wave producer focused on purity and site expression.
VINEYARD
Planted on silty clay loams overlying a clay sub soil, this free-draining vineyard’s layered soil profile is a result of historical flooding from the Wairau River across the valley floor. The vineyard requires only minimal watering unless it is a particularly dry year. The vines, originally imported as UCD1, but now commonly referred to as Mass Selection, were planted in 1990 but development continued progressively through until 1995. Conversion of the vines for organic certification started in 2009, with the established vines receiving full certification in 2012. The terroir of this vineyard site produces distinct characteristics in the wine fitting with a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, predominantly lively citrus and grapefruit flavors, with long lingering acidity.
WINEMAKING
Grapes are harvested and pressed straight into stainless steel. After settling for three days the must is racked and fermented, 15% of which is done in old French oak. The wine sees 5 months in tank before bottling without filtration.
VINTAGE
The 2023 Marlborough vintage was shaped by a cool, wet spring and summer, marking a third consecutive La Niña year. Despite the challenging conditions, including a near-frost in March, the growing season ended on a positive note. The slow, long ripening process led to healthy vines with minimal disease pressure, and the fruit was clean at harvest. These factors, combined with ideal conditions in autumn, resulted in an excellent vintage, making it a fitting celebration of 50 years of Marlborough’s modern wine industry.
TASTING NOTE
Aromas of ripe freshly cut citrus fruits, reminiscent of pristine lemons and oranges, intertwined with lifted aromas of spring blossoms. Not a simple example of this sought-after style, the palate shows excellent concentration, poise, and length.
FOOD PAIRING
Goat cheese crostini, oysters
Color
White
Blend %
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Marlborough
Alcohol
13.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$22
Reviews
Wine Advocate - December 19, 2024 "I love the Settlement vineyard—it has varied topography, great views and a raft of brilliant producers sourcing from it. Here, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is concentrated, complex and layered, with juniper, white pepper, kiwi fruit, sea sal, flit, petrichor, asphalt, cold tea and caper brine. It's really good. The palate is textural and undulating, like the place, and the wine lingers long after it has gone. This is recommended—to both visit and drink. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. A New Zealand winemaker once said to me, "grape vines are like people; where you feel happy, the vines will be happy." I think about it often, as vineyards have the propensity to be such deeply beautiful places. It's no wonder the prettiest of them also produce some of the world's greatest wines."
James Suckling - March 8, 2024 "Lovely density to this sauvignon blanc for the vintage. It shows nice white peaches, apples and lemons with some lemongrass character. It’s medium-bodied with lovely fruit, brightness and an attractive creamy texture."
Trade Materials
