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 top-quality wine that has been praised by critics!"
"Ivan Sutherland and James Healy met at Cloudy Bay and then joined forces to found this winery in 2004. Section 94 comes from a plot in 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 unfined. Roger Jones: The nose tells you everything—a delicate aroma with crisp white stone fruits, subtle herbaceous notes, and crisp, precise citrus. Classic. Freddy Bulmer: A fairly soft nose showing beautiful evolution, yet still a fresh and vibrant wine. Creamy and sophisticated, with lovely texture, good body, 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” (Decanter 2023) • Screw cap
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Eye
Pale yellow color with silvery highlights; bright disk
Nose
Aromas of citrus, mango, and white peach, accompanied by hints of cookies 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; a long finish with great aromatic complexity
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 hour before
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 plot in 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 unfined. Roger Jones: The nose tells you everything—a delicate aroma 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 sophisticated, with lovely texture, good body, 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 Sauvignon Blanc Section 94 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 vintage 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 winery (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 very intense. Medium-bodied. Beautiful acidity balance and an excellent finish. White pepper. Dry. Always excellent. Ready to drink now. Screw cap.
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