Sheild Albarino 2024

SHEiLD Albariño is a vivid, textural Nelson white from a small planting in the sheltered Upper Moutere hills. Lime, white peach and floral notes meet brisk acidity, gentle salinity and subtle beeswax richness, giving the wine both immediate refreshment and enough weight to feel substantial. A small barrel-fermented component and time on fine lees add breadth without softening its energetic character. This is an excellent choice for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers looking for something different, or anyone drawn to crisp, mineral whites. Serve well chilled with oysters, fresh fish, prawns, ceviche or crunchy summer salads.

What the winery says:

The fruit came from nine-year-old Albariño vines at the Whenua Matua vineyard, planted at 100 metres in Moutere clay-bound gravels. Harvested on 26 March 2024, it received skin contact while being transported to the winery, then was destemmed, lightly crushed and carefully pressed. The clarified free-run juice fermented in stainless steel using a yeast normally selected for Riesling, while the pressings underwent wild fermentation and malolactic fermentation in a seasoned Rousseau hogshead. The tank portion retained a little residual sugar to balance the variety's sharp acidity, then spent six months on fine lees before blending with the 8% barrel component. Lemon in colour, it shows lime, honeysuckle and beeswax, with brisk acidity, layered texture and a gently saline finish.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100, Excellent (2024 Vintage)
"Mineral and fresh, steely and urgent."

Cuisine, 4 Stars (2024 Vintage)
"The palate is bracing and alive with good concentration of flavour and plenty of taut acidity which gives the wine lots of drive and persistence."