Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Clos Henri is the New Zealand outpost of the Bourgeois family of Sancerre, who brought ten generations of Loire Valley know-how to Marlborough with one clear goal: let soil, not stereotype, define the wine. The Otira Vineyard is named after the Otira River and glacier, a nod to the ancient geological forces that shaped these lands long before vines arrived. While Marlborough Sauvignon is often known for volume and flash, Otira is about restraint, texture, and lineage — a quiet flex from a family that’s been doing this for centuries.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Otira Vineyard sits on deep, free-draining alluvial gravels laid down by glacial movement, forcing the vines to dig deep and work hard. Those gravelly soils naturally limit vigor, concentrating flavor while preserving acidity. Clos Henri farms sustainably and harvests in multiple passes to capture freshness and complexity. Fermentation is primarily in stainless steel, with a portion seeing neutral oak to build mid-palate weight without masking purity. The result is Sauvignon Blanc that feels sculpted rather than shouted.

Tasting Notes: This is Sauvignon Blanc with composure. Bright citrus — think lemon zest and grapefruit — leads the way, followed by white peach, green apple, and a subtle herbal edge that feels more alpine meadow than tropical fruit stand. On the palate, it’s taut and mineral-driven, with a stony, saline streak that gives the wine serious length and food-friendliness. Crisp, layered, and quietly confident, Otira is the kind of Sauvignon Blanc that converts skeptics and keeps insiders coming back for another glass.