Walnut Block Nutcracker Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Walnut Block is the vision of two brothers, and the name comes from the impressive 100 + year-old walnut tree (the oldest in Marlborough) that stands in the middle of their Sauvignon Blanc vines. Harvested by hand and whole bunched press, this limited release Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their vineyard’s fruits. Winemaking is carried out using natural ferments and partial barrel fermentation (quite unique for a Sauvignon) to capture the grapes’ lively, fresh aromas and fruit purity, resulting in an impressive array of ripe citrus and fruit notes on a richly textured palate.

• Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast, ‘Bombastic aromas of passionfruit, white grapefruit, grass and bell pepper flow into a palate that’s dry, crisp and fruity, with zingy lime and passionfruit at the finish.’ (2022 vintage)
• 95 Points, Real Review, Bob Campbell MW, ‘Intense, flavoursome sauvignon blanc with gooseberry, capsicum, lemongrass and subtle struck-flint and savoury characters supported by ripe acidity. A delicious wine with pleasing purity.’ (2021 vintage)
• 98 Points, Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW, ‘Certified organic, this youthful Wairau Valley wine was hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts and partly barrel-fermented. Weighty, sweet-fruited and dry, it has concentrated, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and excellent vigour, complexity, and depth.’ (2021 vintage)
• Gold Medal, 2022 Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards (2021 vintage)
• Decanter Magazine May 2020 (exciting wines under £25), ‘Marlborough’s oldest walnut tree sits among the organic vines here. This is weighty, with a savoury, textured palate from wild yeasts, lifted by crisp acidity. Pure and vibrant, bristling with grapefruit pith and guava.’ (2019 vintage)
• Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW, ‘Certified organic, this classy Wairau Valley wine was hand-picked and 30% barrel-fermented. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fleshy and dry, with strong, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, slightly creamy notes, and excellent complexity and texture. Drink now or cellar. 5 stars.’ (2019 vintage)
• 4.5 Stars, WineState Magazine, ‘Certified organic, this Wairau Valley wine was hand-picked from mature vines and 30% barrel-fermented. Sweet-fruited, it is a youthful, medium to full-bodied wine, with ripe, tropical fruit flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak adding complexity, and a crisp, fully dry finish. A restrained, age worthy style, it should break into full stride 2020+.‘ Michael Cooper MW, April 2019 (2018 vintage)
• Wine of the Week, The Independent (2017 vintage)
• 94 Points, Bob Campbell MW (2017 vintage)

Founded in 2005, Walnut Block Wines is the vision of two brothers – Clyde and Nigel Sowman. In combining their experience in viticulture and the wine industry with their passion for and appreciation of fine wine, they have created a boutique winery offering a unique range of superbly crafted organic Marlborough wines. The estate takes its name from Marlborough’s oldest walnut tree that towers majestically above the Sauvignon Blanc vines, providing a special historical focal point for the vineyard. First planted in 1996, the Walnut Block vineyard lies in the world-renowned Wairau Valley. Marlborough’s unique winegrowing conditions reflect a combination of alluvial soils, deposited over thousands of years from an ancient river bed that flowed between the mountainous borders of this valley, the region’s high sunshine hours and the temperate New Zealand climate. The soils found here in Marlborough’s Rapaura sub-region provide ideal growing conditions for intensely fruit-focused wines. With stony, free-draining subsoils and younger alluvial silts layered above, Rapaura encourages a unique style, with generous ripe-fruit flavours and pungent aromas. As Clyde says, “By allowing the vines to evolve organically and adapt to the environment we can produce wine that highlights the region’s diversity.” The decision to farm organically reflected their belief that they could grow grapes of finer quality than those grown using conventional methods. As the vines have become more self-sufficient and naturally balanced a greater depth of flavour and improved mouthfeel in the wines has become apparent. The entire 17 hectare estate is certified organic by BioGro New Zeland. Labour intensive vineyard methods produce consistent, exceptional fruit quality, and the use of traditional winemaking techniques and attention to preserving delicate flavours result in expressive and balanced wines. The Collectables wine series label has been proudly designed to bring some of New Zealand’s rich history to wine lovers. Depicting an adaptation of the 1898 Kiwi New Zealand stamp, the label is symbolic of New Zealand’s past and these young fruit driven Marlborough wines. The Nutcracker range is the flagship brand and represents the pinnacle of the vineyard’s fruit. The dedication that the brothers and their team demonstrate in organic winegrowing allied to only applying minimal intervention allows nature to truly express the terroir in these exemplary offerings.