Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023

A classic expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, being 100% tank fermented, but it offers complexity of texture and a mineral drive that summons river stones and sea spray. Blackcurrant, guava and passion fruit are captured alongside the subtlest hint of oyster-shell. This wine is focused and explosive on both nose and palate yet remains elegantly balanced, with distinct salinity.

The fruit comes from a single vineyard in the Dillons Point subregion located on the coastal fringe of the Wairau Valley. This vineyard belongs to the Holdaway family, who have been farming in Marlborough for generations. They practise sustainable viticulture, using their own compost and mulching preparations to maintain organic matter in the soil. The soils are fertile and deep but well-drained, with plenty of minerals; perfect for the nutrient-hungry Sauvignon vines. The vineyard is trained to Vertical Shoot Position and cane-pruned.

Grapes were machine harvested in the cool of the night to ensure no harsh phenolics were extracted and acidity was preserved. The grapes were crushed and gently pressed in a pneumatic press to avoid skin contact, with the juice transferred directly into stainless steel. The must was settled naturally and fermented at cool temperatures. Post-fermentation it was left on light lees to increase textural complexity. The wine was then gently crossflow-filtered prior to bottling.