| Vintage | 2023 |
| Production | 3073 |
| Vine Age | 23 Years |
| Vineyards | Grava Martinborough |
| Elevage | 9 months in 90+ year old Totara Cask (2100L) and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (300L) |
| Skin contact | 0 |
| Composition | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Alcohol | 13% |
| Sulphites | 24ppm |
This is the inaugural release of Crystal Veil, a pure and patient look at grape, place and history.
The fruit for this wine is grown by Alistair and Carla Gardener on their Grava Vineyard at the southwestern fringe of Martinborough en route to Palliser Bay.The winemaking is simple but singularly unique, whole bunch pressed fruit is settled overnight then run to one of our treasured native timber casks for wild fermentation and extended ageing on lees for 2years. This is something unlikely explored in the NZ wine story since the 60 or 70's.
The result is a wine of textural weight andgenerosity, I do think the Totara may contribute a subtle phenolic gift that shapes the mouthfeel with tension and perhaps the memory of a fennel seed lingering on the tongue. I fully expect this wine to deliver beautiful and expressive character for at least a decade to come. Fresh enough now to enjoy as a summer wine but with a calm softness that speaks of winter generosity also.
