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Tasting Notes
Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Our version of the classic dry aromatic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus core of flavours are juicy and intense with deliciously refreshing saline acidity. The wine calls for simple fresh seafood but can also be enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Grapes are picked from eight of our own vineyards within the Wairau Valley. Cropped at an average of 10 tonnes/hectare. The fruit is whole bunch pressed, cold settled before fermentation and 4 months aging in stainless steel tanks. A portion of this wine is fermented using indigenous yeast. Bottled without fining.
Reviews
17.5 PointsJulia Harding, JancisRobinson.com
"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."
95 PointsBob Campbell, The Real Review, Sept 2023
95 PointsShanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
"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."
94 PointsMaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator, USA
"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."
93 PointsCameron Douglas, MS
"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."
93 PointsRebecca Gibb, Vinous
"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."
92 PointsJames Suckling
"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."
5 StarsMichael Cooper
"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+."
19/20 PointsJoelle Thomson
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Section 94 2018
A complex full bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc with a chalky minerality and fresh herbal influence, complimented by a vibrant acidity which gives the wine focus. Suggested food matches for Section 94 include fish (particularly salmon), poultry and soft white cheeses.
This single vineyard parcel is situated within the Dog Point Vineyard, using the same low cropping level from vines planted in 1992. Fruit is hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in older French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottled without fining.
Reviews
96 PointsDecanter - Sauvignon Blanc panel tasting
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.
96 PointsBob Campbell, The Real Review, Sept 2023
"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."
96 PointsCameron Douglas, MS
"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+."
95 PointsTim Atkin
"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."
94 PointsMary-Ann Worobiec, Wine Spectator, USA
"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."
94 PointsRebecca Gibb, Vinous
'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."
17.5 PointsJancis Robinson, UK
"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."
94 PointsNick Stock on behalf of James Suckling
"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."
93 PointsShanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
"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."
5 starsMichael Cooper
"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."
18.5/20 PointsJoelle Thomson
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Chardonnay 2021
A pure, bright and youthful citrus driven chardonnay with complex smokey, flint, toast and biscuit notes derived from extended barrel aging on full solids. The hallmarks of Dog Point chardonnay are ever present here with pure saline and crisp palate structure. This vintage will have the ability to age well. Perfect match with scallops, white fish, poultry and BBQ pork.
2/3 Mendoza, 1/3 B95 clones hand-picked from our home vineyard at 5 tonnes/ha (30hl/ha), from vines dating back to 1981. Fruit is whole bunch pressed and transferred directly to French oak barrels (10% new) and left to undergo indigenous primary and secondary malolactic fermentations for 18 months in barrel. Bottled without fining and with only minimal filtration.
Reviews
96 PointsBob Campbell, The Real Review, NZ
"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
95 PointsCameron Douglas, MS
"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."
94 PointsJames Suckling
"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."
96 PointsShanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
"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."
5 StarsMichael Cooper
"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."
17 PointsJancis Robinson
"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."
93 PointsChristina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast
"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."
92 PointsMaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator
"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."
90 PointsRebecca Gibb, Vinous
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Pinot Noir 2021
A bright perfumed, supple expression of Marlborough pinot noir from clay hill slopes. The fruit is supported by bright florals of rose and violets with crunchy red berry fruit and dried herb notes. The palate is succulent with alluring red cherry, brown spices and silky fine boned tannins. This wine has all the makings of a long lived Marlborough pinot noir and matches perfectly with duck, red meats (particularly venison and lamb), and mushroom dishes.
Comprising six different pinot noir clones from vines dating back to 1983. Vines are cropped at 5 tonnes/ha (35hl/ha), hand harvested and hand sorted, prior to de-stemming (25% whole bunch included). The fruit is fermented in small stainless open top fermenters without pumping. Fermentation is conducted by indigenous yeasts over a period of 2-3 weeks prior to pressing into French oak barrels (30% new) for 18 months.
Reviews
95 PointsBob Cambpell, The Real Review, Sept 2023, NZ
95 PointsShanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
"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."
94 PointsCameron Douglas MS
"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."
94 PointsMaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator
"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."
94 PointsChristina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast
"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."
5 StarsMichael Cooper
"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."
93 PointsJames Suckling
"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."
17 PointsJancis Robinson
"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."
92 PointsRebecca Gibb, Vinous
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Sauvignon Blanc Magnum 2023
Our version of the classic dry aromatic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus core of flavours are juicy and intense with deliciously refreshing saline acidity. The wine calls for simple fresh seafood but can also be enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif with or without social distancing. One of the best vintages the region has experienced in years.
Grapes are hand-picked from eight of our own vineyards within the Wairau Valley. Cropped at an average of 10 tonnes/hectare. The fruit is whole bunch pressed, cold settled before fermentation and 4 months aging in stainless steel tanks. A portion of this wine is fermented using indigenous yeast. Bottled without fining.
Reviews
95 PointsBob Campbell
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Section 94 Magnum 2018
A complex full bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc with a chalky minerality and fresh herbal influence, complimented by a vibrant acidity which gives the wine focus. Suggested food matches for Section 94 include fish (particularly salmon), poultry and soft white cheeses.
This single vineyard parcel is situated within the Dog Point Vineyard, using the same low cropping level from vines planted in 1992. Fruit is hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in older French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottled without fining.
Reviews
96 PointsBob Campbell
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Chardonnay Magnum 2021
A pure, bright and youthful citrus driven chardonnay with complex smokey, flint, toast and biscuit notes derived from extended barrel aging on full solids. The hallmarks of Dog Point chardonnay are ever present here with pure saline and crisp palate structure. This vintage will have the ability to age well. Perfect match with scallops, white fish, poultry and BBQ pork.
2/3 Mendoza, 1/3 B95 clones hand-picked from our home vineyard at 5 tonnes/ha (30hl/ha), from vines dating back to 1981. Fruit is whole bunch pressed and transferred directly to French oak barrels (10% new) and left to undergo indigenous primary and secondary malolactic fermentations for 18 months in barrel. Bottled without fining and with only minimal filtration.
Reviews
96 PointsCameron Douglas MS, New Zealand
"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."
96 PointsBob Campbell
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Pinot Noir Magnum 2021
A bright perfumed, supple expression of Marlborough pinot noir from clay hill slopes. The fruit is supported by bright florals of rose and violets with crunchy red berry fruit and dried herb notes. The palate is succulent with alluring red cherry, brown spices and silky fine boned tannins. This wine has all the makings of a long lived Marlborough pinot noir and matches perfectly with duck, red meats (particularly venison and lamb), and mushroom dishes.
Comprising six different pinot noir clones from vines dating back to 1983. Vines are cropped at 5 tonnes/ha (35hl/ha), hand harvested and hand sorted, prior to de-stemming (25% whole bunch included). The fruit is fermented in small stainless open top fermenters without pumping. Fermentation is conducted by indigenous yeasts over a period of 2-3 weeks prior to pressing into French oak barrels (30% new) for 18 months.
Reviews
95 PointsBob Campbell
"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."
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Tasting Notes
Twin Pack: Sauvignon Blanc 2023 + Pinot Noir 2021 (750ml)
The perfect gift of a twin pack of Dog Point 2023 Sauvignon Blanc & 2021 Pinot Noir.
This pack includes 2 bottles of wine: 1 bottle of our version of the classic dry aromatic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The wine calls for simple fresh seafood but can also be enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif. Plus 1 bottle of our bright perfumed, supple expression of Marlborough pinot noir, the perfect match with red meats and mushroom dishes. A great gift idea or to share at a dinner party or summer BBQ with family and friends.
Reviews
90 PointsTom Cannavan
"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."