Lively organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from an excellent new producer.

Founded by Steve Planthaber, originally from Adelaide but post school left for the South Island of New Zealand. A move to Marlborough with his partner Kirsty Sutherland cemented his love for all things wine. Hard not to be inspired when meeting the Sutherland’s who were one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, part of the original success of Cloudy Bay followed by establishing their own estate Dog Point. Steve was keen to find his own path and after 12 years running the production and operations at Cloudy Bay decided to begin his own wine brand, Settlement. Settlement, named after the stunning Amphitheatre single vineyard site in the Omaka Valley, is dedicated entirely to the production of organic, old vine single vineyard expressions of very special sites in Marlborough. Poplars vineyard is further south in the Brancott Valley, just next to the famous Section 94 vineyard. Named after trees surrounding the site the vines were planted in 1992, Mendoza clone (now 28 years old). Alluvium soils over a clay subsoil as opposed to the river rock/silt of the Wairau valley floor. Hand-picked, racked of solids, wild ferment in barrel, then elevage for 12 months, 15% new.

Founded by Steve Planthaber, originally from Adelaide but post school left for the South Island of New Zealand. A move to Marlborough with his partner Kirsty Sutherland cemented his love for all things wine. Hard not to be inspired when meeting the Sutherland’s who were one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, part of the original success of Cloudy Bay followed by establishing their own estate Dog Point. Steve was keen to find his own path and after 12 years running the production and operations at Cloudy Bay decided to begin his own wine brand, Settlement. Settlement, named after the stunning Amphitheatre single vineyard site in the Omaka Valley, is dedicated entirely to the production of organic, old vine single vineyard expressions of very special sites in Marlborough. Planted in 1997 the Ashmore vineyard is located in the southern end Wairau Valley hence why it has a soil type reflecting the signature of the Southern Valleys, with silt loam soils overlying clay Although the vineyard has irrigation it’s never used, simply due to the now established 23 year old plantings and terrior. Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed to tank. Marlborough of course produces wines with naturally very high acidity (in this case a PH of 2.88) and with this in mind Steve was keen to balance this in the Riesling, finishing the ferment early to retain some residual sugar,15 grams to be exact. 12 months in bottle before release.

Aromas of ripe freshly cut citrus fruits, reminiscent of pristine lemons and oranges, intertwined with lifted aromas of spring blossoms. Not a simple example of this sought-after style, the palate shows excellent concentration, poise, and length.

Nose: subtle blend of pear, white peach, honeysuckle and lychee. Palate: gentle and soft mouth feel with medium intensity mid palate tending tropical which reflects the warm growing season. Low sugar, but a fruit- sweet balance point: the acidity is subtle and the wine dry. Expresses a fruit sweetness and generosity throughout the palate, starting out with hints of nectarine, peach and undertones of honey with a clean, dry, yet smooth finish. Winemaker’s Notes: Small parcels of Pinot Gris were fermented separately using a variety of yeasts, with fruit taken from a number of vineyard sites throughout Marlborough. Pressings were fermented in oak and kept separate from the free run which was tank fermented. We assembled the wine with the primary goal of balance given the subtle nature of Pinot Gris and the accentuation of primary clean fruit character, which is typically pears and light citrus. Winemaking Philosophy: all our growers are certified sustainable, with viticulturists bent on an organic and natural approach where possible. Dovetailing that nicely are our winemakers’ low intervention approach to their crafting of the grapes.