A Dog Point warmup: 2013 Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc

The new 2014 vintage Dog Point wines have just landed here at Graham HQ and I’m itching to get into them. That will come next.

In the meantime, I reviewed this ’13 Section 94 Sauv Blanc last year, but now it’s worth a revisit now as a warmup (I’m thorough)…

What a complex beast this is too. The nose all nettles and cream, the broad, creamy palate expansive, yet reigned in with bristling acidity. Love the contrast of herbs and oak/lees here – it’s a real mouthful. As it gets warmer the peas and herbs dissipate, tending less primary fruits and more mellow through the middle.

Personally, I think this is now in a transition phase, and is a little more toned down than mid last year, waiting for the secondary layers (and it will get there based on previous experience). That said, this is still a deeply impressive, long and powerful Kiwi Sauv Blanc of real complexity. Delicious stuff. Best drinking: 2017-2023. 18.5/20, 94/100. 14%, $40ish. Would I buy it? Absolutely.