2024 Terre a Terre Crayeres Sauvignon Blanc, Wrattonbully

Fruit is from the close-planted Crayères vineyard. 57% of the wine was fermented in older oak barrels. Some lovely peachy aromatics this vintage, a hint of tangelo, young papaya and golden kiwi. Compact layers of flavour and echoing notes of tropical fruit. Freshly juiced pineapple citric notes and a long line of fruit and sandstone minerals. A big-hearted style with richness and persistence.

95 points Special Value Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Wrattonbully is a complex and sophisticated expression of a grape more often associated with simple, aromatic styles. Here, Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser reimagine Sauvignon Blanc through a classic old world lens, delivering a richly textured, age worthy wine that speaks of careful viticulture and precise, traditional winemaking.

The Crayères Vineyard is located in the heart of Wrattonbully, just north of Coonawarra, on the famed Terra Rossa over limestone soils that give wines from this area their signature minerality and structure. The vineyard is named after the ancient chalk caves of Xavier Bizot’s French heritage, and the winemaking philosophy draws deeply from Bordeaux influences, where Sauvignon Blanc is treated with seriousness and respect.

Fruit is handpicked at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed to maintain delicacy and aromatic purity. Fermentation is carried out using wild yeasts in large format old French oak barrels, followed by extended ageing on lees with regular bâtonnage. This traditional approach builds texture, depth, and a savoury complexity that sets it apart from typical new world Sauvignon Blancs.

In the glass, Terre à Terre Crayères Sauvignon Blanc opens with layered aromas of white peach, lemon curd, lanolin, flint, and subtle herbs. The palate is beautifully structured with creamy lees texture, fine acid line, hints of grapefruit pith, and a long, mineral driven finish. It is savoury rather than overtly fruity, with a restrained elegance that promises excellent development in bottle over five to ten years.

Perfect with seared scallops, roast chicken with tarragon, or a creamy goat cheese tart, this wine redefines Australian Sauvignon Blanc and rewards those looking for complexity and ageing potential.