Waiheke Island
2019
Gravestone Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Tasting Notes
2019 Gravestone has a subtleness to it, slowly revealing a discreet nose of lemon blossom, white peach, elderflower and oyster shell, a medium bodied wine of texture with tingling acidity with mere hints of the barrel fermentation. This is a blended white wine that oozes sophistication with a touch of lime, fresh pear, honeysuckle and a hint of orange marmalade leading towards a persistent succulent finish. Dripping with class this is a landmark cerebral wine made with immense pride.
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Winemaking
Our Sauvignon blanc and Semillon vineyards are all dry farmed and low yielding and are hand harvested off a number of volcanic influenced hilltop sites. The Sauvignon blanc is macerated and pressed to tank before the cloudy juice starts a spontaneous fermentation and is transferred to French Oak Puncheons, including the use small portion of Acacia wood, to ferment. The Semillon is gently pressed and clarified in tank before fermentation with a cultured yeast in old Puncheons, following fermentation the wines stayed on gross lees in Puncheon for 6 months before being blended to tank for bottling. Gravestone 2019 is a blend of 78% Sauvignon blanc and 22% Semillon.
Reviews and Accolades
Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier - 93 Points, "The combination aromas of SB and Sem are incredibly enticing teasing the senses with exotic fruits and and waxy citrus, wild white flowers and pith, dried and fresh herbs and a tease of spice. A satin cream texture touches the palate for a moment before the acidty of youth power through the palate."
New Zealand Wine Rater - 96 Points "Complex, vinous and Bordeaux-like on the nose with gooseberry, capsicum, lime skin, herb-garden and smoky/savoury notes. Rich, textural and weighty on the palate with concentration and power that lasts through to it's delicious bone dry finish."
