Churton Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Sam and Mandy Weaver established Churton based on their passion and philosophy. Sam is a pioneering Englishman from Church Pulverbatch (known locally as Churton) in Shropshire England- where agriculture dominates. Farming is in his roots, and his scientific aptitude comes from studying microbiology in London. He synchronized both brilliantly and it shows in the precision and character of his wines. Sam is a staunch advocate for biodynamic practices and is always striving to create active soils with a diversity of plants and microbes resulting in wines with a true expression of their organic origin. Sam and Mandy Weaver are an anomaly for Marlborough. Densely planted at around 500 vines per hectare on slopes, all hand-picked and with minimal irrigation and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their old vines are planted in a patchwork pattern and include Viognier and Petit Manseng, further evidence of their departure from the norm for the area. The juice ferments and clarifies naturally and slowly in tank and about 12% French oak barrels. The parcels are blended after about 10 months aging on lees and bottled 11 months after harvest. This Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc has the energy and focus of a fine Loire Valley wine, but shows it with passion fruit and lychee type fruit. Sauvignon Blanc at its best.