Clos Henri - Otira Sauvignon Blanc - 2025
Producer
Blend
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Country
New Zealand
Region
Marlborough
UPC
3 36591 00700 6
Estate
Named after the ancient glaciation period that formed this exceptional terroir, Otira is the purest expression of the stony soils found on the terraces of our estate.
Formed 75,000 years ago, these free-draining soils result in wines with elegant minerality and excellent structure.
Description
Starting with a cool and dry flowering, it was evident from early on that we would be experiencing a larger than average harvest in 2025. As such, we prioritized
shoot & bunch thinning to control yield and disease pressure. Despite a dry and hot December, the season cooled off after Christmas and we began to approach veraison,
however lots of overcast days and cooler temperatures than normal through February and March slowed the ripening process. 2025 Sauvignon Blancs, as a result, are
showing beautiful ripeness, density, and richness; tempered by a pure and focused minerality from a slower ripening.
Terroir
This parcel is sourced from our Otiran Glacial Stones parcel. This 75,000-year-old soil comprises Greywacke Stones that were deposited as the glacier retreated
south towards the West Coast.
Harvest
Following the French tradition, our vineyard is planted in high density. This encourages competition between vines and restrains vigor; ensuring grapes divert their
energy into the grapes (rather than the canopy) – resulting in concentrated berries. Dry farming and organic practices also allow us to ensure natural vine balance
is achieved by stressing the vines just to the right level. This forces the roots to go deeper in the soil, obtaining the purest expression of our terroir.
Vinification
Once received in the winery, gentle pressing straight to tank allows us to retain the aromatic freshness of the wine. The use of press fractions to separate
free run from the hard pressings preserves the elegance and finesse of the wine. Fermentation occurs in 85% stainless steel; while the remaining 15% is wild
fermented in neutral French oak barrels and Austrian demi-muids (600L). The wine is aged on fine yeast lees for up to 9 months with lees stirring, which
enables us to obtain a round Sauvignon Blanc with body and richness. The wines age in tank prior to bottling and are released in the Autumn following their harvest.
Technical Data
Residual Sugar: <2 g/L
Alcohol: 14%
Ageing Potential: 5 – 10 years
Alcohol: 14%
Ageing Potential: 5 – 10 years
Tasting Notes
The 2025 Otira is a precise expression of minerality and tension. The nose reveals initial notes of lemon curd, oolong tea and vibrant raspberry leaf.
Unfolding delicately, there is a wet stone minerality which is tempered by a touch of shortbread, whilst on the palate, vibrant pineapple and passionfruit
lead a bright Meyer lemon zest finish. Tightly coiled, the Otira will benefit from time open to relax in glass.
Food Pairing
Serve with fresh line-caught fish such as snapper and cod, or pair with a goat’s cheese and fig tart.