Fincher The Dividing Line Barrel Aged Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Accolades

Tim Atkin MW: 93/100. ...savoury and complex, it has appealing notes of gunflint and elderflower with subtle oak and a hint of passion fruit. Very smart.

James Suckling (JamesSuckling.com): 92/100. This has an impressively complex and layered nose with a sheen of light oak spice, across the top of fresh apples and limes. The palate has engagingly fleshy yet fresh and refined style with a fresh, silky feel. Drink now.

Rebacca Gibb MW: 92/100. Hailing from a former Seresin vineyard, this is not Marlborough Sauvignon as as you know it: it is a mouthfilling Sauvignon Blanc with rounded edges and a textural grip thanks to well handled time on skins and fermentation in puncheons. A style that will suit those looking for more restraint and texture in their SB.

Tasting Note:

The wines shows quite dramatic funk and citrus notes with underlying exotic fruits and floral tones. The extended time on natural lees give the wine an unexpected texture as will as a deliciously nutty character. A full bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc with a dried herbal edge, vibrant acidity and a long, persistent finish.

Aromas and flavours:

Additional information

Type: White wine

Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Alcohol: 13% vol

Wine style: dry

Residual sugar: 0g/l

Food match: Grilled fish especially squid or swordfish. Dishes with herbs and greens - salmon with dill, for instance, but great with recipes that contain basil, coriander, rocket and especially mint. Salads with goats cheese and feta, asparagus, avocado or grilled red peppers, fresh tomato salads or salads with fennel, mango or papaya.

Winemaking: Hand picked Sauvignon Blanc, undergoes barrel fermentation and extended lees contact in older barrels.

The people behind the wine: Liam Steevenson became the youngest Master of Wine in the World in 2004 and one of only a handful of people to pass the exam first time. He has set up and founded one of the UK's leading independent wine merchants, been a senior wine buyer for Waitrose supermarket and in 2017 was nominated as being one of the top 4 highest achievers in the international wine industry. Liam is a winemaker and has wine projects in France, Spain, New Zealand and India.

Ben Glover is one of New Zealand's most respected winemakers with over 20 years experience his soft touch and the subtle expression in the wines is what stands this man and his wines apart. He has been the head winemaker for Mud House, Wither Hills and his family winery Zephyr.

Bottle size: 0.75l

Notice: Contains sulphites. Traditional fining using egg. Traces may remain.

Wine region: Marlborough, New Zealand. 

Cellaring potential: makes perfect drinking now

Closure: Cork

Vinted and bottled by: Ben Glover, Wilde Vineyards Ltd, 15 Bank St, Blenheim, New Zealand