THE NED NOBLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021

TASTING NOTE

Vivid aromas of white peach, candied grapefruit and ginger result from partial botrytis infection of ripe Sauvignon Blanc fruit. The palate is plush and sweet upfront with a lingering finish of citrus and fresh beeswax.

FOOD MATCHING

Vivid aromas of white peach, candied grapefruit and ginger result from partial botrytis infection of ripe Sauvignon Blanc fruit. The palate is plush and sweet upfront with a lingering finish of citrus and fresh beeswax.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Crafted to be enjoyed at the peak of its vibrancy and freshness, we recommend drinking this wine within 2–3 years of vintage date.

ORIGIN

Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand

WINEMAKING

Grapes for this Noble Sauvignon Blanc were harvested in late April 2021 once the spread of natural botrytis was well established throughout the selected blocks leading to concentration of the sugar, acids and flavour. Upon receival at the winery the fruit was gently pressed into a stainless steel tank and clarified. The clear juice was fermented in tank by select yeast strains specifically chosen for their ability to perform in the unique environment created by high sugar levels.

ANALYSIS

• Alcohol - 11.5%
• pH - 3.77
• Titratable Acidity - 7.9g/L
• Residual Sugar - 169g/L
• Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season had an ideal start – early bud burst after a record warm, dry winter (the second warmest since 1932), and an unusually uneventful frost period.

Wet weather in the critical months of November and December challenged flowering and fruit set but the southerly position of the Waihopai Valley, with its typically later flowering, protected most of our vineyards from the worst impacts.

Harvest started early due to optimal grape ripening from dry summer months and record sunshine hours. Fruit was harvested in pristine condition with a calm, steady flow undeterred by significant rain mid-harvest.

Despite smaller yield we captured fruit flavours at their best aided by the absence of vineyard disease, an overall moderately warm, dry season, and proactive harvest plans. The team are very excited by the quality of harvest 2021.

TROPHY

• International Wine Challenge 2022: IWC Great Value Champion Sweet

GOLD

• Marlborough Wine Show 2022
• Mundus Vini 2023

5 STARS

• WineOrbit: Sam Kim 2022

"It’s sunny-sweet and instantly appealing with orange marmalade, grilled stone fruit and cake spice characters with a hint of dried herb complexity. The fabulously expressed palate displays luscious sweetness backed by vibrant acidity, finishing wonderfully long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2025."

• The Real Review: Bob Campbell 2022 - Top Rank

"Luscious dessert wine with honey, mango and ripe Golden Queen peach flavours. Concentrated wine with a perfect balance of ripe acidity preventing any suggestion of cloying. Delicious wine with an ethereal texture."

• WineState New Releases 2023

4.5 STARS

• Cuisine Magazine 2022

94 POINTS

• Cameron Douglas MS 2022

"A striking package of aromas from apple tart to apricot nectar then brown sugar, sweet gooseberry and baked pineapple. Some light dried herb qualities reflect the variety and adding complexity. Very sweet but decadent and luscious with contrasting acidity and flavours of sweet apples and apricots, tropical fruits and a whisper of dried herbs. Lengthy and delicious with best drinking from day of purchase through 2027+."