2020 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South pacific during and after World War II. New Zealand’s famous and largest warbird, the Catalina is a rare sight, in fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today, and we are lucky enough to be associated with one based right here in New Zealand. Through our sponsorship of this rare, passenger carrying, amphibious flying boat we are in some small way helping to ensure the Catalina continues to grace the skies around the stunning Marlborough Sounds and high over the vineyards in the Waihopai Valley where we have made our home.

As always with Catalina Sounds, we have allowed the fruit to tell its story and added extra layers of interest via a small amount of oak fermentation, extended aging (unsulphured) on yeast lees post ferment, and for the first time trialled ‘full solids’ tank ferments to provide an additional dimension both aromatically and texturally. The result is a wine with a punchier nose than preceding years whilst maintaining the Catalina house style of delivering a textured and rich palate balanced with fruit precision and focus. Aromatically, the wine displays attractive grapefruit and white currant notes, with tropical fruits and crushed herbs in support and a perfectly balanced palate finishing refreshingly long and mouth watering.