Country: New Zealand Region: Marlborough Varietal: Small Parcel 100% Sauvignon Blanc Vintage: 2017 Colour: White Style:Dry Producer: Kim Crawford Estate Kim Crawford Wines was established in late 1996, when Kim launched a range... made from fruit grown in the South Island. Kim sold the company to Constellation in 2005 and has since handed the winemaking reins over to the Constellation winemaking team. Despite Kim no longer being involved with these wines, the current winemakers continue the classic Kim Crawford philosophy and style. Control over grape supply has always been essential for Kim Crawford Wines and they now have the largest vineyard resource in Marlborough of any wine company, across the greatest breadth of sub-regions, ensuring consistency of quality and style. Vineyards The Small Parcels ‘Spitfire’ Sauvignon Blanc takes its name from a famous site in Marlborough that was used as an air force base during WWII. The outstanding vineyard selected for this vintage is a small block of Sauvignon Blanc called Blind River Vineyard. Located in the Awatere Valley subregion, this is one of the standout sites of Marlborough. This sheltered vineyard is situated in the valley floor, with 50% north/south row orientation and 50% east/west orientation. Vintage Information 2017 was a challenging vintage for wine growers as conditions were wetter and cooler than usual. This reduced yields by approximately 9% compared to 2016. It also pushed harvest dates back for all varieties. The final wines were more restrained on the nose and the palate but still display distinctive varietal characteristics, as well as a strong sense of place. Vinification Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit was crushed and the juice was drained for about three hours before the skins were pressed. Fermentation was long, slow and cool, with a yeast selected to express the grapes' grapefruit and passion fruit characteristics. Only the best blocks from the vineyard were eventually selected for the Small Parcels bottling, following a rigorous tasting selection. The wine was bottled early to retain freshness and purity of fruit. Tasting Notes This is an exuberant Sauvignon Blanc with intense passion fruit, grapefruit and tropical fruit aromas. Juicy acidity fills the palate on first tasting and activates the taste buds with a gorgeous fruit sweetness that carries through to a long finish.