Rapaura Springs Single Vineyard Bull Paddock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
New Zealand, Wairau Valley
Description
Vibrant aromas of passionfruit, guava and tropical fruit that follow through to the palate. These intense fruit flavours are complemented by an intriguing saline minerality and vibrant acidity. This wine will continue to drink well for the next five years.
Certifications
Vineyard
Our Bull Paddock Vineyard is located in the Dillon's Point sub-region of Marlborough's lower Wairau Valley. The land was originally used for raising bulls, before the Neylon family realised the potential of the site and planted it in Sauvignon Blanc. The young, free-draining, alluvial soils now produce grapes with elevated aromatics and ripe flavours. We believe this sub-region grows the best Sauvignon Blanc in all of Marlborough.
Vinification
The 2022 growing season began with significant rain, marking the end of three years of drought in Marlborough. A period of warmth in early December produced a welcome and better than average fruit-set. In late February we had a couple of significant rains which replenished the soil moisture levels that had reduced during summer. During the two weeks that followed we had cool days and night, which meant the acidities remained on the high side. Harvest coincided with the peak of New Zealand's Omicron outbreak, which put some pressure on staffing. Excellent teamwork meant we were able to harvest our fruits as it was ready, retaining vibrant acidity and concentrated fruit flavours.
The Bull Paddock Vineyard is only minutes from our winery, the proximity minimises skin contact prior to pressing, allowing us to capture all the expressive fruit flavour and aroma, without bitter phenolics. After harvest, the grapes were gently pressed before individual parcels were batch fermented in stainless steel, using a selection of yeast strains chosen to enhance aromatics.