Rippon - Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (750ml)
Price: $40.99
| Producer | Rippon |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Central Otago |
| Varietal | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 204346 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Rippon Description
The Rippon vineyard site has been in the Mills family for four generations. The story began in 1912 when Sir Percy Sargood bought a high-country station on the western flanks of Lake Wanaka, spanning all of what is central Wanaka today. When he died, much of the land had to be sold to cover death duties. Thirty years later, Percy’s grandson Rolfe was a submarine lieutenant in the Second World War. While on duty, Rolfe spent some time off the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The schist slopes of the Douro valley reminded him of home and sparked the first beginnings of an idea.
After the war, Rolfe returned to the family import/export wine business. It wasn’t until 1975, thirty years after his time in Portugal while running the farm as an angora goat stud, that he and his wife Lois decided to plant some experimental vines. Seeing that they had taken, the family – Rolfe, Lois, and their three children– moved to France for a year to try their hand at winemaking.
They returned to New Zealand and in 1982 began the commercial planting of the 15ha (approximately 37 acres) that today comprise Rippon. At the beginning, around 30 varieties were planted, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer which are today their flagship grapes. Lois and Rolfe Mills are recognized as part of the ‘first five’ pioneers of the modern Central Otago wine industry. Their son, Nick Mills, has been winemaker for Rippon since 2003.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is chalky and grassy, with beeswax, pressed flower, juniper, wind anemone and white pepper. I love the dried hay character here; it makes for a clothy, textural wine of presence and detail. The vines were planted from 1987 to 1993 on own roots and were unirrigated, biodynamically farmed and low-yielding. The wine spent three months on the primary lees, with 50% in barrel (neutral oak) and the balance in tank.
Vinous: 90 Points
Rippon's 2023 Sauvignon Blanc has a supple, succulent expression that focuses on richness of texture and curved edges. This has rich fruit aromas reminiscent of mangoes and peaches with lees-derived almond pastry notes making for a rather unusual New Zealand Sauvignon flavor profile. The 2023 has a lovely, well-integrated line of acidity within its gourmet core.
