2016 Foxes Island Sur Lie Aged Sauvignon Blanc – Awatere Valley Marlborough
Consistently 94+ Points Since 2003
There are many styles of Sauvignon Blanc—from fresh, youthful expressions to those with refinement, character, and the ability to age. The Sur Lie Aged Sauvignon Blanc from Foxes Island belongs firmly to the latter. Shaped by Winemaker John Belsham’s Bordeaux training more than 40 years ago, the philosophy behind this wine is rooted in crafting elegant, terroir-driven expressions that evolve beautifully over time.
Originally planted on the Belsham Awatere Estate as a windbreak for Pinot Noir, the closely spaced Sauvignon Blanc vines are rooted in ancient, mineral-rich soils. The Awatere Valley’s prevailing summer winds encourage the vines to send their energy deep underground, developing deep root systems, low natural yields, and exceptional phenolic structure. The result is Sauvignon Blanc with purity, tension, and remarkable flavour intensity.
The 2016 vintage produced wines of outstanding structure and fruit definition. In classic Belsham style, this sur lie aged Sauvignon Blanc shows precise architectural lines, vibrant energy, and a textural richness that showcases the age-abilityof premium Sauvignon Blanc—far removed from commercial expressions. This is Sauvignon Blanc for those seeking depth, elegance, and a more grown-up interpretation of the variety.
Hand-tended and hand-harvested, the grapes were gently pressed to avoid bitterness. The juice was fermented dry and aged sur lie, building texture, creaminess, and soft, subtle curves through the palate. Once bottled, the wine was cellar-aged to integrate layers of complexity before release.
On release, the wine reveals vibrant aromas of citrus blossom, white peach, oyster shell, alpine herbs, and delicate salinity, supported by a nuanced, nutty lees character. It is long, refined, textural, and deeply satisfying—a wine that continually surprises those who think they know Sauvignon Blanc.
About Sauvignon Blanc – the Wild Grape
One of the world’s oldest grape varieties and the mother of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc has its origins in western France, particularly Sancerre and Bordeaux Blanc. The name derives from the French sauvage, meaning wild. In New Zealand, the grape has found a unique voice—expressing the climate, soils, and landscape in a way found nowhere else in the world.
Limited availability.
