Main Divide Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002 was produced in a field where the summer is warm, but not excessively hot, while the autumn was sunny, dry and very long.

These conditions led to excellent ripening and as the Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc component from Marlborough was one of the last in the district to be picked, we are seeing gooseberry characters integrated with a riper spectrum of tropical fruit flavours.

After harvest, the Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in tank, while the Waipara semillon, which was fully mature, was fermented in old oak barriques. Both were left on their natural yeast lees for 8 months before blending and bottling.

It is a star bright wine with a lemon hue. The flavours evoke memories of yellow plums, ripe melons, citrus fruits and tropical spices. There is an underlying richness with good palatal concentration and weight. The flinty after-taste reflects the stony soils of the vineyards which produced the Main Divide Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002.

Pegasus Bay Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002 was developed in the traditonal manner ... after harvest the grapes were gently pressed and the resulting juice allowed to undergo fermentation by the action of its “natural yeast”.

It was subsequently maintained on the lees and in the following spring the wine’s indigenous bacteria resulted in malo-lactic fermentation.

Throughout this time the semillon portion was kept in old French oak barriques. These natural techniques are in keeping with Matthew Donaldson winemakers  policy of minimalist intervention to allow their vineyard to express itself through its wines.

The French believe their tradition of blending these two grape varieties results in a harmony and complexity that surpasses anything that can be achieved by either one alone. The complementary passionfruit, gooseberry and lychees characters of the sauvignon intertwine with lemon, lime and crushed herbs from the semillon.

The latter grape also provides palatal richness and flavoured length which can be appreciated long after swallowing and the ability to age well, while developing additional layers of fascination.