CLOS HENRI Estate Sauvignon Blanc - Wairau Valley Marlborough 2024 Bottle ORG

Description

IN BRIEF
Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc from the Wairau Valley is a distinguished wine that beautifully captures the essence of Marlborough while honouring the winery’s Sancerre heritage. Sourced from glacial stones and windblown clay, this organic Sauvignon Blanc stands out as the flagship offering from Clos Henri in Blenheim. Crafted from the youngest vines, the fruit is meticulously hand-harvested for optimal quality, and extended lees contact enhances its complexity, resulting in a delightful balance of freshness and richness. The aromatic profile reveals gently reductive notes, flinty aromas, spiced citrus peel, guava, and hints of apricot stone. With top ratings from Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, this elegant wine pairs beautifully with seafood, salads, and lighter fare, making it ideal for showcasing Marlborough’s vibrant character.

*****

ABOUT THE WINE
Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc from the Wairau Valley is a distinguished wine that beautifully captures the essence of Marlborough while paying homage to the winery’s Sancerre heritage. Sourced from glacial stones and windblown clay terroirs, this organic Sauvignon Blanc stands as the flagship offering from Clos Henri in Blenheim.

Crafted from the youngest vines on the estate, the fruit is meticulously hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. The winemaking process features extended lees contact, which enhances the wine's complexity and depth, resulting in an exquisite balance between freshness and richness.

The wine showcases vivacity, concentration, and brightness, making each sip a joyful experience. The aromatic profile opens with gently reductive notes, revealing flinty aromas layered over spiced citrus peel, guava, and hints of apricot stone, creating an enticing bouquet.

Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points, highlighting its classy and harmonious character, as well as its ability to express both varietal and place without overwhelming the palate. Vinous rated it 88 points, noting the clean, crisp profile with subtle flavours of boxwood, lemon, and apple, leading to a balanced, stony finish. The critic remarked on the tension and line present, suggesting that the wine has wonderful elements but could benefit from more intensity.

Overall, Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that defines the estate. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it an ideal accompaniment for seafood, salads, and lighter fare. This elegant wine is perfect for those looking to experience the vibrant character of Marlborough and the finesse of organic winemaking. Whether enjoyed now or savoured over the next few years, it promises a delightful tasting experience.

WINE ENHTUSIAST 91 points
Gently reductive at first pour, the flintier notes perch atop spiced citrus peel, guava and apricot stone. There's subtlety to the palate, nothing sticking out or showing off. Classy and harmonious, this organic and biodynamic wine expresses variety and place without having to shout about it. — Christina Pickard

VINOUS 88 points
Drinking Window 2025 - 2028
From: New Zealand Whites: Never Gonna Give You Up (Mar 2025)
The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Estate is clean, crisp and dry. It is aromatically pared back, with subtle flavors of boxwood, lemon and apple on the balanced, stony finish, which offers tension and line. There's lots of good stuff here, I just want more intensity and it to last longer. - By Rebecca Gibb MW on March 2025

-----

ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Clos Henri is a distinguished vineyard located in the renowned Marlborough wine region of New Zealand. Established by the esteemed Loire Valley winemaking family, the Bourgeois, Clos Henri seamlessly blends traditional French viticulture with the unique terroir of New Zealand. The winery was founded in 2002 and is celebrated for its commitment to crafting high-quality wines that express both the varietal character and the essence of the land.

The estate spans approximately 30 hectares and is known for its meticulous vineyard practices, which include sustainable farming methods and a focus on biodiversity. Clos Henri primarily produces Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, two varietals that thrive in the region’s cool climate and diverse soils.

- Sauvignon Blanc: Clos Henri’s Sauvignon Blanc is often highlighted for its vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity. It showcases notes of citrus, green apple, and subtle herbal characteristics, resulting in a fresh and lively profile that is quintessentially Marlborough. The wine is crafted to reflect the fruit purity and minerality of the vineyard's terroir.

- Pinot Noir: The Pinot Noir from Clos Henri is known for its elegance and depth. The wine exhibits a harmonious balance of red fruit flavours, such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by earthy undertones and a smooth finish. This expression embodies the delicate and nuanced characteristics that the varietal is known for, making it a delightful option for both casual and formal occasions.

Clos Henri places a strong emphasis on minimal intervention in the winery, allowing the wines to express their authentic character. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in the belief that great wines begin in the vineyard, and the team takes great care in ensuring that each bottle reflects the unique qualities of the land and the climate.

With a commitment to quality and a passion for winemaking, Clos Henri has established itself as a significant player in the New Zealand wine industry, showcasing the rich potential of Marlborough. Each bottle invites wine lovers to explore the distinctive terroir and the craftsmanship that the Bourgeois family brings to this exceptional corner of the world.