Dog Point - Malborough Sauvignon Blanc Section 94 2018
96/100
Decanter
95/100
James Suckling
94/100
Vinous
“From New Zealand’s largest organic vineyard, savor a critically acclaimed, premium-quality wine!”
“Ivan Sutherland and James Healy met at Cloudy Bay and then joined forces to found this winery in 2004. Section 94 comes from a block of the Dog Point vineyard—New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard. The grapes are hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, then fermented and aged with wild yeasts in old French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottled unfiltered. Roger Jones: The nose tells you everything—a delicate bouquet with crisp white stone fruits, subtle herbaceous notes, and clean, precise citrus. Classic. Freddy Bulmer: A fairly soft nose showing beautiful evolution, yet still a fresh and vibrant wine. Creamy and intelligent, with lovely texture, good weight on the palate, and delicious sweet spices. Cat Lomax: Hazelnut, savory toast, hints of spice with a touch of toasted matchstick. Punch, depth, rounded citrus, dried mango, hazelnut. Creamy texture, freshness, and depth. 2024–2034” (Decanter 2023) • Screw cap
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Eye
Pale yellow color with silvery highlights; bright center
Nose
Aromas of citrus, mango, and white peach, accompanied by hints of biscuit and a touch of smokiness
Palate
A creamy, rounded attack, precise structure, flavors of white fruit, mandarin zest, and fresh hazelnut, complemented by herbaceous notes, with a long finish of great aromatic complexity
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 hour ago
Drink before
2029
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with fish ceviche, chicken with tarragon, fresh goat cheese...
Decanter
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
Ivan Sutherland and James Healy met at Cloudy Bay and then joined forces to found this winery in 2004. Section 94 comes from a block of the Dog Point vineyard—New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard. The fruit is hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, then fermented and aged with wild yeasts in old French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottled unfiltered. Roger Jones: The nose tells you everything—a delicate bouquet with crisp white stone fruits, subtle herbaceous notes, and clean, precise citrus. Classic. Freddy Bulmer: A fairly soft nose showing beautiful evolution, yet still a fresh and vibrant wine. Creamy and intelligent, with lovely texture, good weight on the palate, and delicious sweet spices. Cat Lomax: Hazelnut, savory toast, hints of spice with a touch of toasted matchstick. Punch, depth, rounded citrus, dried mango, hazelnut. Creamy texture, freshness, and complexity. 2024–2034
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate)
Vinous
Wine rated (2024 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
The 2018 Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc is beginning to assert itself, showcasing its concentration and structure. It is a sophisticated and serious style that does not rely on the natural thiols of Sauvignon Blanc, but rather on restrained fruit, aromas derived from winemaking, and bottle aging, all of which contribute to its complexity. Expect subtle aromas of nectarine, almond, and lanolin. It is concentrated, compact, structured, and intense, like a dart cutting its way through the heart of the wine. The 2018 is quite different from previous vintages, with less reduction, but also the decision to age the wine for 6–7 years (the goal for this cuvée going forward), which has allowed it to develop. 2024–2032
James Suckling
Wine rated (2021 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
This is a magnificent, complex wine with notes of apple slices, lemons, bread dough, and savory pie crust. A hint of grass. Always subtle and complex, yet intensely rich. Medium-bodied. Beautiful acidity and an excellent finish. White pepper. Dry. Consistently excellent. Ready to drink now. Screw cap.
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