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Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

Handpicked from our oldest vines, this limited-release Sauvignon Blanc displays delicacy and finesse while capturing the intense characters for which Marlborough is famous.

Old vines, organic nurturing, outstanding quality

Only selected areas of the vineyard produce grapes with the outstanding quality required for the Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc. Planted in 1996, our oldest vines naturally have low yeilds and offer greater nuances of flavour and aroma.

The grapes are specially grown on the Scott Henry divided canopy system, which allows excellent light penetration and air flow without removing any leaves. Organic principles are followed, ensuring healthy fruit growth in an eco-friendly environment.

The winemaking process

All grapes are handpicked then gently whole bunch pressed. 30% is fermented using the vineyard’s wild yeasts, giving the wine depth and complexity. 70% is fermented using cultured yeasts to capture the lively, fresh aromas and fruit purity. Four months with yeast lees contact adds weight and richness to the palate.  

This is a wine made with minimal inputs, low sulphr, and it’s vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Cellaring potential

Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc is a true handcrafted boutique wine, with well balanced acidity and integrated flavours that will evolve over time. Cellaring potential of 3-4 years.

  • 93pts – Bob Campbell, Master of Wine * Top Ranked, (rating and value)

    “Richly textured and quite concentrated Sauvignon Blanc, with pink grapefruit, guava, lemongrass and red capsicum flavours. Weighty wine with a hint of nutty yeast lees character. Quite a complex and appealing Sauvignon. Drink 2015 to 2019”

  • 4.5 stars Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper, MW)

    Sweet-fruited, it is mouthfilling and dry, with excellent delicacy and depth of fresh, tropical fruit flavours, balanced acidity and a smooth finish. A very harmonious wine, it’s already delicious.

Reviews

2019 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

92pts Decanter Magazine
This is weighty, with a savoury, textured palate from wild yeasts, lifted by crisp acidity.  Pure and vibrant, bristling with grapefruit pith and guava.

94pts Bob Campbell MW
Rich, concentrated sauvignon blanc with guava, melon, passionfruit and nutty yeast lees flavours. An impressive wine.

5 Stars Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW
Bright, light lemon/green, it is fleshy and dry, with strong, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, slightly creamy notes, and excellent complexity and texture. Drink now or cellar.

Silver Medal, 2020 NZ Organic Wine Awards

 

2017 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

90pts Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
Refreshing bouquet of SB with classic package of MArlbrough cool climate fruits: grapefruit, fresh herb and passionfruit with a hint of fresh lychee. Flavours on the palate also include white peach, lemon and lime flower, red apple and spice. Vibrant abundant acid line, balanced, youthful and lengthy. Drink now and through 2022

90pts The Wine Advocate
A lovely dry white for drinking over the next few years. It boasts ample concentration, medium body and intense white grapefruit flavors. Hints of fig and cut grass impart enough complexity to keep you coming back for more, and the finish lingers elegantly.

Sliver, The Global Organic Masters

 

2015 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

4.5 stars Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper, MW)
Sweet-fruited, it is mouthfilling and dry, with excellent delicacy and depth of fresh, tropical fruit flavours, balanced acidity and a smooth finish. A very harmonious wine, it’s already delicious.

93pts - Bob Campbell, Master of Wine * Top Ranked, (rating and value)
Richly textured and quite concentrated Sauvignon Blanc, with pink grapefruit, guava, lemongrass and red capsicum flavours. Weighty wine with a hint of nutty yeast lees character. Quite a complex and appealing Sauvignon. Drink 2015 to 2019

 

2014 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

4 stars Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper, MW)
Mouthfilling, with fresh, ripe passionfruit and lime flavours, crisp, dry and finely balanced, and very good vigour and depth. Sweet-fruited, youthful, distinctly Wairau Valley style.

Silver Medal - New Zealand Organic Wine Awards

 

2013 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

4.5 stars, Michael Cooper (MW)

Jamie Goode, Sunday Express, UK - Go natural! Seven of the best organic wines

4 stars, Bob Campbell (MW)

91pts Sam Kim Wine Orbit

 

2012 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

4.5 stars Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper, MW)

The Wine Gang - UK 89pts

Decanter - Recommended Award

 

Luxury vineyard accommodation

Walnut Block Cottages offer superb 5-star accommodation in a secluded setting among the vines – perfect for travellers seeking a relaxing destination, for wine lovers looking for a taste of the vineyard lifestyle, and for any special occasion.