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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

2024 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

4.5 Stars, Michael Cooper MW
Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with strong, ripe, peach, pineapple and lime flavours,
showing considerable complexity, and a tightly structured, crisp finish, dry and sustained.  Still 
unfolding, it should be at its best mid-2025+.

2021 Nutcracker Sauvignon Blanc

Real Review, Bob Campbell MW (#3 of 102 tasted) 
Intense, flavoursome sauvignon blanc with gooseberry, capsicum, lemongrass and subtle struck-flint 
and savoury characters supported by ripe acidity. A delicious wine with pleasing purity.

98pts Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW
Certified organic, this youthful Wairau Valley wine was hand-picked, fermented with indigenous 
yeasts and partly barrel-fermented.  Weighty, sweet-fruited and dry, it has concentrated, ripe, 
tropical fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and excellent vigour, complexity, and depth.

GOLD 2022 Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards

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.