"Intensely aromatic and characteristically smoky, with marked reduction, a style that Dog Point have mastered so brilliantly. That smokiness is notable is notable yet not excessive even if it is highly stylised. Behind the struck match is vibrant grapefruit and pear, immense depth and remarkable complexity for a young, unoaked white. Chewy texture and low pH make this a mouth-watering and persistent dry wine that is obviously Sauvignon Blanc but not just Sauvignon Blanc, and with better likely ageing capacity than most NZ SBs. Excellent purity and precision. I find this unspittable and feel sure it will be even better after a year in bottle."

"Bright, fresh wine with typical varietal/regional characters including capsicum, gooseberry, lemongrass and passionfruit. Appealing purity with a perfect sweet/sour balance. A pleasure to taste."

"If you'd like to taste Sauvignon Blanc in its modern day glory, look no further. The Marlborough sunshine and pinpoint precision in the vineyard and winery is all found here. Sourced from estate fruit in the Wairau Valley you'll find star fruit, passion blossom, juicy pineapple and guava. The abundance of fruit continues on the palate with an electric line of acidity and sea spray finish. The dryness of the wine takes elegance to another dimension. Purity and drive, this is a triumph of a vintage and its magic is captured in the bottle. Drink now with raw scallop ceviche."

"Lush and expressive, with plenty of concentration to the mix of mango, lemon curd and litsea oil flavors. Details of dried pineapple, candied ginger and crystalized orange zest add complexity and aromatics on the long finish."

"Fragrant, ripe, fruity, varietal and captivating bouquet with scents of fresh citrus and apple, lemon and white fleshed orchard fruits, a core of minerality with a stony wet river pebble quality. Delicious on the palate, crisp and dry with a classic backbone of acidity, fresh mountain herbs and fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. The lengthy finish and textures along with core varietal fruit highlights deliver a wine for all fans of SB."

"Initially the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc needs a few moments to get itself together – much like we all do after waking up from our slumber. It wears a rather reductive overcoat, but under that flintiness you find concentrated, pure fruit flavors. It’s light in body but dense in concentration thanks to low yields, displaying both focus and punch. It's almost silvery in color and restrained thanks to hand-picking, leading to pure grapefruit and passion fruit flavors alongside a hint of nectarine. The finish is long, precise and sinewy."

"Clean and crisp with grapefruit, green melon and lemon character. Hints of stones. Medium body. Lovely acidity and a delicious finish. Some phenolic tension here. From organically grown grapes."

"The thought-provoking 2023 vintage is arguably the best yet. Pale lemon/green, it is full-bodied and vigorous, with penetrating, ripe, passionfruit/lime flavours, showing a distinct ouch of complexity, and a dry, long finish. Still unfolding, it should break into full stride mid-2024+."

"This is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs made in New Zealand each year. It has distinctive complex aromas, a medium body and fabulous purity of flavour with tangy lemon adding to the tropical flavours we all know and love in Sauvignon. This wine has more weight, depth, and length than most Sauvignon Blancs and over-delivers, big time."

Roger Jones: The nose tells you everything – delicate perfume with crisp white stone fruit, delicate herbaceous notes, clean precise citrus. Classic. Freddy Bulmer: Fairly mellow nose showing some nice development, though still a fresh and vibrant wine. Creamy and smart, lovely texture, good palate weight, delicious sweet spices. Cat Lomax: Hazelnut, savoury toast, hints of spice with a little struck match. Punch, depth, rounded citrus, dried mango, hazelnut. Creamy texture, fresh and lifted.

"Intense, oak-matured sauvignon blanc with lemongrass, oyster shell, ginger, spicy oak and nutty yeast lees flavours. Bright, complex and satisfying wine that takes Marlborough sauvignon to a different level."

"Fantastic bouquet with a complexity and pungency, a varietal signature of ripe grapefruit and fresh herb, there’s a mineral and smokiness then aromas of peach and cape gooseberry, apple and moments of tropical fruits. On the palate a fine satin texture touches first then flavours of gooseberry and citrus, peach and apple, and a distinctive complexity from barrel fermentation and wild ferment aromas of wild flowers. The backbone of acidity deposits flavours and mineral throughout the palate as well as mouthfeel and youthful tension. Well made, complex and lengthy. In short a delicious wine and excellent SB expression. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028+."

"Fans of the mass-produced, bungee jump into a gooseberry style of Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc might note appreciate the ambition or the layered  complexity of this wooded, wild yeast-fermented style from the Dog Point team. But tough on them. It's one of the most complex whites in New Zealand, with notes of gunflint, blackcurrant leaf and vanilla spice, lots of racy, mouth-watering acidity and a savoury finish. Deliberately released late by James Healy and Ivan Sutherland's in order to challenge received notions about Sauvignon Blanc."

"Fragrant, intense and succulent, with distinctive honeysuckle, chamomile, spicy marmalade and ripe peach flavors on a fleshy frame, showing a touch of lanolin. Notes of mango, mineral and candied ginger emerge on the finish."

'The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Section 94 is starting to come into its own, displaying its concentration and structure. It's a sophisticated, serious style that doesn't speak of Sauvignon Blanc’s natural thiols but more of restrained fruit, winemaking-derived flavors and bottle age, creating complexity. You can expect subtle nectarine flavors, almond and lanolin development. It is focused, compact, structured and intense, like a dart that works its way through the wine's core. The 2018 is rather different from previous vintages with less reduction, but also the move to hold back the wine for 6-7 years (the goal for this cuvée going forward), has allowed it to develop and marry. It feels like Section 94's promise is finally materializing."

"Mid coppery gold. Like the 2019 regular Dog Point Sauvignon, this has a strong struck-match character. I love it but not everyone will. The varietal character is almost submerged beneath the reductive fume. Much drier than the Sauvignon 2019. Really vibrant and deep. A New Zealand Sauvignon for white-burgundy fans."

"The complex style is nicely dialed-in here, offering a fresh array of grilled lemon and peach with some gently nutty aromas, as well as a lime-curd edge. Really fresh. The palate has fleshy and smooth texture with praline-like flavors sitting on a fresh citrus and peach core."

"Showcasing just what careful barrel ageing and time in the cellar can do. The 2018 Section 94 opens with mango skin, custard apple and lime oil. Sparkler flint, vanilla bean and preserved lemons. Great mid palate weight with wet sand, nutmeg and honeycomb. The wine walks a line of phenolic tension and supportive oak tannins. The ability to sit beside almost any main course dish is where this will shine. Drink now and will cellar for another 3 years. Juicy pork medallions and mustard sauce would work a treat."

"This ranks among the country's greatest oak-aged Sauvignon Blancs. Looking for 'texture, rather than rich aromatics', Dog Point fermented and lees-aged the 2018 vintage (5*), released in 2023, for 18 months in seasoned French oak casks. Hand-harvested in the Dog Point Vineyard (for which 'Section 94' was the original survey title), at the confluence of the Brancott and Omaka valleys, and fermented with indigenous yeasts, it is a powerful, complex, distinctive wine. Pale gold, it is mouthfilling, with deep, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, gentle biscuity notes, balanced acidity, and a long, dry, savoury finish. Drink now or cellar. Certified organic."

"Cellar releases are fabulous things and Dog Point's iconic Section 94 is always a late release these days as its flinty freshness and lively citrus notes really start to come into their own when the wine has aged and evolved. This six-year-old wine is the current release. Its piercing purity of citrusy acidity is supported by a creamy mouthfeel, and the weight of full oak fermentation in French oak barrels adds texture to each sip."

"Intense chardonnay with lemon curd, oyster shell, ginger, struck flint and attractively integrated spicy oak flavours. Youthful wine with bright, juicy acidity that brings energy while driving a lengthy finish. Classy chardonnay. Should develop well with bottle age."

#1 of 45 x 2021 Chardonnay from Marlborough

"A very enticing bouquet of ripe stone fruits and barrel spices, some wood smoke and blond tobacco suggestions. Excellent weight and intensity on the palate with a distinctive mouthfeel and texture, there’s no mistaking the oak, lees autolysis and baking spice qualities. Flavours of peaches and nectarines, grapefruit and white smoke all combine to deliver a wine of freshness and power."

"Aromas of Meyer lemon, yellow apple and acacia followed by sea shell, cheese rind and a hint of hay and button mushroom. Medium-bodied, refreshing acidity. Zesty layers with fascinating complexity. From organically grown grapes."

"Meyer lemon, white peach and glace pears. Honeysuckle blooms, oyster shells and orange creamsicles. Struck match faintly lingers with cinnamon, white paper and chalk. The palate comes alive with texture and a powerful fruit drive. Flavours linger but what is most impressive is the whiskered skin tannin that keeps the focus on the shape of the wine. Fresh ginger, lemongrass root and garam masala spice. This is laden with detail and is drinking beautifully but has the pedigree to age in your cellar for the next 6-8 years. Serve with a buttery, garlic shellfish pasta."

"Pale straw, it is full-bodied, savoury and complex, with strong, vibrant, peachy, slightly biscuity flavours, balanced acidity and a dry, lingering finish. A wine with obvious potential, it’s best cellared to 2025+. Certified organic."

"Intriguing, smoky, leesy nose with some precision and a bone-dry palate offering great refreshment. There’s a certain, not disagreeable, milkiness here. Really fine and lively. Super cool and refreshing. No hurry to drink this – and no suggestion of sweetness or oakiness. This is a long-term wine that should be of interest to those who admire Kumeu River Chardonnays."

"Subtle struck match and grilled nut aromas perch just above the lemon and toast aromas without overpowering them; a salty seashell vibe is present, too. There's a vibrant, citrusy acidity on the palate - a welcome counterweight to the richness of the oak and cream - pulsing to a long finish."

"A hint of flint, and a touch of smoked, salted butterscotch give way to peach, apricot and ripe melon flavors at the core, with a lemon oil detail, plus a laser beam of acidity that keeps the flavors fresh, vibrant and lingering on the long finish."

"The 2021 Chardonnay is a punchy little number with vim and vigor. It offers sweetness of fruit that comes with a bracing, bright, citrus-like acidity, creating firmness on the finish. This effect is the result of the high incidence of shot berries, which is a trait of the Mendoza clone and was particularly prevalent in 2021. It underwent 100% wild fermentation in barrel (10% new oak) before spending 18 months on lees. This results in croissant-like characters alongside sweet, white stone fruit and citrus flavors."

"Intense, appealing pinot noir with subtle floral aromas together with concentrated red berry, dark chocolate, liquorice, wood smoke and spicy oak flavours. Powerful wine with obvious cellaring potential."

"Violet petals, damson plum, black raspberry and fig. Turned potting soil and gravel. The wine hits the base notes with coffee grinds, allspice and sandalwood. It's equally alluring and coquettish with its underlying heady spices and wafts of wild red and black fruit. Oak supports the density of fruit and underpins its ability to transform in the glass. Tannins are tightly laced with propulsive acidity and carry. Drinking well now but in true Dog Point style, they have their eyes on the long game and this will cellar beautifully upwards of 6 years."

"Ripe, fruity, varietal and complex bouquet with aromas of red cherry and raspberry flesh, some red licorice and vanilla, layers of wood smoke and plum then a clay stone mineral quality. These ideas repeat and come alive on the palate with youthful polished tannins and acidity for contrast. Dry and delicious with salivating textures and flavours, fresh red fruits and barrel spice highlights and a lengthy finish with complexity and charm."

"Lush and juicy, with notes of cherry preserves, blood orange and fresh raspberry. Accents of lavender and violet linger in the background, with hints of clove, malty Assam black tea and tomato leaf on the finish."

"Lovely layers of lucid aromas are on show from first sniff: black cherry and red berry cordial, cocktail bitters-like herbs and spices and a dark chocolate nuance. There's a distinctive kitten's tongue texture to the tannins that adds structure to the plush fruit. While still quite primary and young, there's lovely concentration and harmony here that makes this a solid cellaring choice (until around 2030) or a food-friendly drop now with some aeration."

"This classy, finely structured red is estate-grown on the south side of the Wairau Valley, hand-picked and matured for 18 months in French oak barriques. The 2021 vintage is one of the most impressive yet. Deep ruby, it has a highly fragrant, inviting bouquet. Mouthfilling, savoury and supple, it has rich, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, refined tannins, and lovely depth and harmony. Already delicious, it’s a drink-now or cellaring proposition. Certified organic."

"Strawberries, cranberries and lavender with orange zest, sweet squash and a hint of tomato leaf. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins. Zesty and flavoursome on the palate. Good harmony. From organically grown grapes."

"Quite a subtle (dry!) nose of restrained cranberry fruit. Survived well in an open bottle which suggests a long life. Far from simplistic but it’s so dry that it demands food. Not a casual bar sipper…really refreshing and long. Well done! Positively savoury (very unlike many a Marlborough Pinot) and a wine that should be of interest to burgundy lovers."

"The 2021 Pinot Noir from Dog Point is poised with a savory and herbal flourish. There's no denying that the Marlborough natural red, sweet fruit is abundant, but cool nights and increasingly sensitive winemaking allow depth of flavor and layering. Wild green, woody herbs, including fennel and a bright line of freshness, come from one-third whole bunch fermentation, but that does not bring any furriness nor tannic dryness. Over the years, a gradual reduction in oak influence (lightening of toast) has also brought greater harmony and togetherness."

"Bright, fresh wine with typical varietal/regional characters including capsicum, gooseberry, lemongrass and passionfruit. Appealing purity with a perfect sweet/sour balance. A pleasure to taste."

"Intense, oak-matured sauvignon blanc with lemongrass, oyster shell, ginger, spicy oak and nutty yeast lees flavours. Bright, complex and satisfying wine that takes Marlborough sauvignon to a different level."

"Alluring scents of ripe citrus and apple, peach, quince and a touch of golden kiwifruit Fabulous bouquet and palate with aromas of fresh peach and gun-flint minerality, new and used barrel with a nutty cashew complexity, baked apple and quince. Delicious, fresh and dry with a satin touch, back bone of acidity and flavours of barrel, flint, mineral and oak. Fine tannins, a lengthy finish and delicious complexity."

"Intense, mouthwatering chardonnay with lime, pineapple, oyster shell/mineral, hazelnut and subtle spicy oak flavours. Delicious high-energy wine in a rather Chablis-esque style with purity and power."

"Intense, appealing pinot noir with subtle floral aromas together with concentrated red berry, dark chocolate, liquorice, wood smoke and spicy oak flavours. Powerful wine with obvious cellaring potential."

"Hand-picked from its own vineyards in Marlborough, Dog Point's Sauvignon is bright, crisp and super-fresh, more typical in Marlborough style than the barrel-fermented 'Section 94' cuvee, with huge punch and verve. Passionfruit is there, with tropical notes suggesting lychee and guava, a touch of capsicum, but really all about the fruit. In the mouth the texture has some richness and mealiness to it, the citrus blast of the acidity balanced perfectly against the more unctuous, tropical fruit into a dry and beautifully balanced finish. Typical and yet not, this is a fine example of Marlborough's unique Sauvignon style."