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.