Kim Crawford
Kim Crawford Wines was established in late 1996, when Kim launched a range...
made from fruit grown in the South Island. Kim sold the company to Constellation in 2005 and has since handed the winemaking reins over to the Constellation winemaking team. Despite Kim no longer being involved with these wines, the current winemakers continue the classic Kim Crawford philosophy and style. Control over grape supply has always been essential for Kim Crawford Wines and they now have the largest vineyard resource in Marlborough of any wine company, across the greatest breadth of sub-regions, ensuring consistency of quality and style.
Vineyards
The Small Parcels Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc takes its name from a famous site in Marlborough that was used as an air force base during WWII. The outstanding vineyard selected for this vintage is a small block of Sauvignon Blanc called Blind River Vineyard. Located in the Awatere Valley subregion, this is one of the standout sites of Marlborough. This sheltered vineyard is situated in the valley floor, with 50% north/south row orientation and 50% east/west orientation. The east/west rows produced a particularly broad range of flavours that were beautifully ripe toward the end of the harvest. Overall, the dense green canopy gave exceptional ripeness and flavour.
Vintage Information
The 2016 growing season in Marlborough was characterised by a dry spring and summer, and higher than average temperatures. Welcome rain in January provided relief for the vines as temperatures continued to rise into the autumn months. Fruit was harvested in the cool of night during late April and early May.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit was crushed and the juice was drained for about three hours before the skins were pressed. Fermentation was long, slow, and cool, with a select yeast to express the grapes' grapefruit and passion fruit characteristics. Only the best blocks from the vineyard were eventually selected for the Small Parcels bottling, following a rigorous selection process. The wine was bottled early to retain freshness and purity of fruit.
Tasting Notes
An exuberant Sauvignon Blanc emanating intense passion fruit, grapefruit, and tropical fruit aromas. Juicy acidity fills the palate on entry and activates the taste buds with a gorgeous fruit sweetness that carries through to a delightful, lingering finish.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Grape varieties | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Region | Marlborough |
| Winemaker | Anthony Walkenhorst |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 14% |
| Acidity | 7.3g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 3g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.3 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.