Rabbit Island Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Wine Analysis

The Vineyards

The Brightwater vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps us to restrict the plants' vigour and to crop at low levels. Our Brightwater Vineyard is situated 15km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond ranges. The ‘soil’ is a combination of rocks and boulders which is very hard on the farm equipment but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening the Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Our Rabbit Island Vineyard is situated on a wide river flat. The soil is gravelly sandy loam, which is very sandy and free draining. These vineyards are about 1.5 kilometres from the sea, which helps moderate temperatures.

Winemakers Note

2021 was another cracker vintage in Nelson, although yeilds are devastatingly light due to spring frost, unsettled flowering weather and Boxing Day hail.

In the vineyards, leaves were removed from around the fruiting zone to allow light penetration and air movement around the ripening bunches. Parcels of fruit were picked when flavours, sugars and grape acids were nicely in balance, giving fruit with intensely varietal flavours and a fresh, lasting acidity.

Tasting Note

The 2021 Rabbit Island Nelson Sauvignon Blanc really overdelivers with loads of crisp varietal flavours – citrus, basil and tropical notes. The palate is balanced and generous with ripe lingering flavours on the finish.