Settlement Heritage Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Settlement Heritage Sauvignon Blanc is a single-vineyard, organically grown Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with ripe tropical fruit, lively citrus and a subtly rounded texture. Sourced from mature vines on the southern side of the Wairau Valley, it offers more concentration and composure than a sharply herbaceous style, while retaining the crisp acidity and long finish that keep Marlborough Sauvignon so refreshing. A small indigenous barrel-fermented portion adds gentle richness without obscuring the fruit. Serve well chilled with oysters, fresh seafood, goat's cheese or lighter dishes built around citrus and herbs.

What the winery says:

Strong guava aromas are supported by tropical fruit, citrus and grapefruit, with ripe concentration balanced by refreshing, lingering acidity. The Sauvignon Blanc comes from Settlement's north-facing Heritage Vineyard on the Wairau Valley floor, where vines planted between 1990 and 1995 grow in free-draining silty clay loams over clay subsoil. The vineyard achieved organic certification in 2012. Low crop levels and a record dry summer produced intensely flavoured fruit in 2024. The grapes were machine harvested and pressed directly to stainless steel, then settled for three days before fermentation. Fifteen percent was fermented with indigenous yeasts in old French oak, and the finished wine was bottled unfined.

What the experts say:

Rebecca Gibb MW, 93/100 (2024 Vintage)
"A richly textured, satisfying style with succulent flavors of passion fruit, ripe apple and pineapple."

James Suckling, 92/100 (2024 Vintage)
"A subtle sauvignon blanc with lemon and green-pear character with minerally undertones and a vivid finish."