TWR Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc 2024 New Zealand

Winemaking Notes
The TWR Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc 2024 hails from a small vineyard and winery located in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick, owned by winemakers Anna and Jason Flowerday. Te Whare Ra—a Māori name meaning 'house in the sun'—is a certified organic winery with a rich heritage, as the 11-hectare vineyard is one of the oldest in Marlborough, originally planted in 1979. The vineyard, which has predominantly loam over clay soils, is managed with a combination of organic and biodynamic practices that prioritise soil health and vine balance. Yields are kept deliberately low to ensure fruit of exceptional concentration and quality, with all the fruit hand-sorted and hand-picked to maintain the highest standards. This meticulous approach to viticulture is reflected in the wine's expressive yet refined character, with the delicate, smooth texture and abundant fruity notes showcasing the quality achieved through careful vineyard management. The wine presents classic Awatere Valley characteristics of guava, white currant and delicate elderflower, beautifully complemented by juicy tropical passionfruit from the Wairau region, whilst subtle herbal notes of fresh basil and zesty lime add complexity and regional authenticity. The long, mineral-driven finish with its persistent chalky texture reflects the vineyard's unique loam-over-clay soils and the biodynamic farming practices that have been employed at this historic site for decades.

Vintage Conditions
The 2024 vintage in Marlborough delivered excellent conditions for Sauvignon Blanc production, allowing Te Whare Ra to craft a wine that showcases the distinctive terroir of both the Awatere and Wairau regions. The growing season benefited from Marlborough's renowned cool-climate conditions, with the region's unique position between mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean providing the moderate temperatures and extended ripening period essential for developing the vibrant aromatics and refreshing acidity that define premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The combination of organic and biodynamic vineyard management, low yields and hand-picking ensured that only the finest fruit was selected, with the grapes displaying the classic regional characteristics that have made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc famous worldwide. The Awatere Valley fruit contributed guava, white currant and elderflower aromatics, whilst the Wairau region provided juicy tropical passionfruit character, creating a wine of remarkable complexity and balance. The vintage conditions allowed the fruit to achieve optimal ripeness whilst retaining the ripe, refreshing acidity that provides structure and vibrancy on the palate. The brilliant pale straw colour with greenish hues reflects the wine's freshness and youthful luminosity, whilst the expressive bouquet and delicate texture demonstrate the quality achieved through the Flowerdays' commitment to organic and biodynamic practices at one of Marlborough's oldest and most respected vineyards.