When one refers to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, I can bet that most of us have heard of Cloudy Bay. I consider it a great entry-level table wine with high production and consistent quality.
Meet James and Ivan: the dynamic duo behind Dog Point Vineyards.
Estate
Owners James and Ivan met while working at Cloudy Bay Vineyards: James the former oenologist and Ivan the viticulturist. They quickly established a long-term friendship after finding that they share the same aspirations regarding a 'hands on' approach to winemaking. Going into business for no other motivations than to craft small-production, single-block wines, these two launched their first vintage in 2004 and have been major players in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc scene since.
Area
Dog Point Vineyards is located in the Wairau Valley in the center of Marlborough's thriving winemaking region. The name 'Dog Point' refers to an area where the shepherds' dogs either wandered off or became lost. These dogs worked as the chief protectors of local sheep due to the lack of fences. The lost dogs eventually formed a marauding pack that attacked the same flocks of sheep that they were intended to protect! Eventually, early pioneers that were forced to settle in this area took care of the dogs, and the area was dubbed 'Dog Point.'
Tasting
At first, this unique wine opened into a field of white blossoms and other bright floral notes. Intensely aromatic! While the crispness and fresh acidity that we know and love in a typically represented Sauvignon Blanc varietal still lingered, the wine mostly offered notes of dried herbs, creamy honeysuckle and even cashews! This is likely due to the fact that the 2008 Section 94 was aged for eighteen months in seasoned oak barrels. I actually very much enjoyed the different nuances and would prefer to see more vintners take chances like James and Ivan.
I love this quote from Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate), who gave the wine 92+ Points:
"Only 6 years after the first anticipated releases from these ex Cloudy Bay, etc. stalwarts, it's now hard to imagine Marlborough's complex jigsaw puzzle of players complete without this dynamic duo that is Dog Point. ?the wines are simply superb."
Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite wines to have around during the spring and summer months. When Riesling may be too 'sweet' or a Chardonnay too 'big', Sauvignon Blanc easily falls in the middle - satisfying even the most selective palates on a hot summer day. Considering the price tag of only $27.99, you've got yourself a sure fire winner.