Earthsong, Dillon's Point Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2023

Producer Profile

We are drawn to the River. Where the Earth gives up its source, the mellifluous rumble, riffle, hiss and glide resonates and chimes.

The plaintive cry of birds, where sound and light become one. It is Our Happy Place, somewhere we can zone out and tune in to Earthsong.

Viticulture

Sourced from one, regeneratively farmed vineyard in the renowned Dillon’s Point area of the lower Wairau. The vineyard is not tilled, extensive cover crops are used and sheep are run in the vineyard over winter to provide nutrients. During the growing season, vines are shoot thinned to provide ideal fruit exposure and ripeness. Proximity to the ocean provides night time cooling which helps to preserve the crisp acids and brininess.

Winemaking

Fruit is the star of the show here so winemaking is relatively simple. Machine harvested cool to preserve freshness. Fermented in tank and matured on fine lees in tank until bottling.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Dillon’s Point is renowned for producing Sauvignon Blancs with tropical fruit notes and passion fruit to the fore. There are hints of blackcurrant and grapefruit too. The palate is rich, bright and zesty with a slight briny tang. This wine has real intensity of fruit, with a lovely crisp, mineral finish.

Food Matching

Sushi and sashimi, seafood-based steamed and fried dim sum.

Awards

Wine Spectator 92 Points
Distinctive notes of chive flower, flint and smoked sea salt up front mingle with savory toasted herb accents. Offers a generous core of peach, passion fruit and pineapple flavors, with fresh acidity. 92 Points.
Halliday Wine Companion 91 Points
The trademark vitality of Marlborough sauvignon blanc can be found right here, as it leaps from the glass. Guava, passionfruit curd and Meyer lemons. A spray of elderflower and lime cordial. Acidity carries the tropical fruit flavours with hints of almond and pineapple flesh. A stir of lees adds a prickle of lemon pith. Finishes with a crisp finish. Undeniably full of flavour. 91 Points, SW, October 2024
Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90+ Points
Sweet pea, gooseberry, apple puree and nashi pear define the fruit spectrum. The fruit was sourced from Dillon's Point (lower Wairau) which is well known for its potent fruit character, on show here in spades. An exuberant wine. 90+ Points, EL.
The Real Review 94 Points
Fine-grained, punchy sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, jalapeno pepper and oyster shell flavours together with appealing purity. I love the wine's gentle acidity balanced by fruit sweetness, and its exquisite tension. 94 Points, BC(MW).