Waipara West North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Waipara West vineyard and winery is owned by the Tutton Sienko & Hill family partnership, and occupies a distinctive site on the north bank of the Waipara River, with free-draining river gravels, clay-loam soils, and a warm, sheltered microclimate ideal for premium viticulture.

The owners purchased the property in 1989 knowing that, although it was an ‘unsuccessful rabbit infested, sheep farm’, it had a combination of factors suitable for the production of quality grapes. Being further inland and higher than existing Waipara vineyards, it was hotter and less frost prone due to natural air movement caused by the river and the sloping terraces.

Today, their hard work and commitment has paid off, and the estate is known for its expressive Pinot Noir, aromatic whites such as Riesling and Pinot Gris, and structured Bordeaux-style reds.

All fruit is estate-grown organically, harvested from each of the three terraces individually and processed separately for all the vinification. 66% of the final wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks, to preserve the crisp fruit profile and to protect the distinctive thiols of the Sauvignon Blanc. The remaining 33% of the wine was fermented with high solids, with wild yeast in old French oak. After three months maceration on lees, all components were blended and stabilised in early spring.