Astrolabe Vineyards Taihoa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022

SUB-REGION - KEKERENGU COAST

Aroma - Fresh-cut passionfruit, lime curd, currant leaf and citrus zest

Palate - Powerful passionfruit, guava and limoncello flavours, and a chalky, mineral texture

Bob Campbell - The Real Review

Simon’s Winemaker range showcases elements other than pure fruit, crafted with texture, complexity and ageworthiness in mind. These wines of tiny production are made from lowcropping single vineyards with a focus on organic viticulture and are vinified using traditional methods.

weather through to a dry and sunny November. Rains in October and December set up the canopy for strong growth with some issues with fungal diseases. January was dry and helped reduce the mildew pressure. High February rain fall caused some botrytis issues while giving a helpful boost to the canopies. Berries sized-up with the available water, and the yields were enhanced. Although the vineyards were delicately poised regarding botrytis pressures, a dryish March and April allowed our fruit to attain targets for flavour and maturity in good condition.

The 23rd of April, 2022.

Vine Management: Standard trellis with pruning to two canes with vertical shoot positioning. Vines are trimmed closely, well tucked, with extensive shoot thinning, bunch thinning and leaf plucking to delay ripening and increase exposure of the fruit for flavour development and acid reduction

WINEMAKING The fruit was hand-picked, whole cluster pressed and only the cuvee juice retained for fermentation in old barrels. The combination of wild yeast, fermentation on light grape solids and less stirring has added texture and interesting complexity to the nose. The delicate fruit handling has given the wine a racy and crisp structure. Bottled 14th February, 2023.

Fermentation in old barrels, wild yeast, fermentation on light grape solids and lees stirring.