In late 1990, a young couple left Auckland behind for a rural village in Nelson, encouragingly named Hope. Swapping city for country life, Andrew Greenhough and Jenny Wheeler took on a four-hectare property, determined to create something of their own. The original vineyard was established in the 1970s by a pioneer amateur winemaker, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau and Riesling. More than a quarter of a century later, the 4-hectare adventure has expanded to 13 hectares; the Müller-Thurgau is long gone and the vineyards are now certified organic; the majority of their wines are not fined, making them vegan friendly.
2018 Sauvignon Blanc 'Hope Vineyard', Greenhough, Nelson
The Hope Sauvignon Blanc is a class apart - from a single vineyard of impeccable pedigree, this has real presence, and exceptional intensity and texture. Extended skin contact, wild fermentation in barrel, and extended ageing all help to bring layers and layers of flavour to the pure, lemon, lime and green apple flavours. Striking, aromatic, floral notes with an elegant, subtle spiciness and a very moreish tarte tatin quality on the palate. This Sauvignon Blanc has the weight and class of a Bordeaux white wine, its flinty character hinting towards Graves; and is organically produced and unfined, so suitable for vegans.