2025 Clark Estate “Upper Awatere” Sauvignon Blanc

Silver Medal – 2025 Australian and NZ Boutique Wine Awards

Bronze Medal – 2025 New Zealand International Wine Show

 

95 points / 5 stars            Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

It’s fabulously expressed on the nose with aromas of grapefruit, feijoa, white-fleshed nectarine, and lemongrass. The palate offers excellent concentration and fruit purity, complemented by fine texture and vibrant acidity, finishing long and exuberant. At its best: now to 2029. March 2026

 

91 points            James Suckling

Zesty and focused, showing citrus, pears and guavas framed by a subtle saline lift. Medium-bodied with taut, mouth-watering acidity giving shape and clarity. Citrusy and mineral at the end. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap. Oct 25

 

90 points / 4 stars            Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review

A classical style of Sauvignon Blanc but with a bit more bite and crunch. Savoury tomato and tomato stalk flavours are livened by olive brine, lime juice, fennel pollen and wet stone notes with fairly good concentration and length. This is a touch closed currently but will relax in the coming months and provide refreshingly balanced drinking in the immediate term. At its best: 2026 – 2028. 28 Apr 2026

 

 

Viticulture

 

Our vines are managed through VSP trellising at a higher density than normal with 2666 plants per hectare.  Planted in 1998, these Sauvignon Blanc vines are now some of the oldest in Marlborough and the wines are now much more complex than they were when we first started.  The old gnarly vines have built up good carbohydrate reserves that aid in the ripening process and the roots have grown much deeper and are now finding older soils to source the nutrients the vines need.

 

Winemaking

 

Every year our Sauvignon Blanc is picked over several nights and each parcel is harvested for specific flavours to compliment the final blend.

These parcels are processed and fermented separately under cool conditions and left on yeast lees to mature.

 

Wine Analysis

 

pH        3.2

TA        5.9 g/L

Alc       12.5%

RS       2.83 g/L

 

The Upper Awatere is known for its rugged soils, unforgiving climate and stunning Sauvignon Blanc flavours.

Strong winds, scorching daytime temperatures, and cool clear nights contribute to the development of the amazing flavours found in Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Our single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is crafted by this terroir, creating wines that are pristine, refined and well balanced, with a strong sense of place.