Marathon Downs Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Ferment 2023 (750ml)

Bright notes of Awatere citrus — think Meyer lemon and grapefruit peel — are wrapped around savoury herbal nuances and a touch of flinty complexity. The palate is richly textured but taut, showing vibrant acidity and a long, salty finish. Fruit from Marathon Downs’ high-altitude site was fermented using wild yeasts in old French oak barrels, bringing a layer of smoky, creamy complexity to the vivid fruit core. Inspired by the great barrel-fermented styles of Pouilly-Fumé, this wine combines classic Marlborough zing with serious depth. Drink now or allow to develop further savoury characters over the next 4–6 years.