A shining beacon of quality and surely one of the greatest examples globally of what this grape can achieve. This is a truly spectacular sauvignon blanc: a unique wine that exists only thanks to the unique conditions of a single vintage.
For fans of New Zealand fine wine Dog Point needs no introduction, but for those less familiar, this is one of the most respected, pioneering, family-owned producers in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded by Ivan Sutherland and the late James Healy, they quickly earned a reputation for producing some of the country’s most compelling wines and particularly for their ‘Section 94’ single-vineyard sauvignon blanc, a wine that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible from Marlborough.
When Ivan’s son, Matt Sutherland, contacted me around the 2025 harvest to ask whether we would like to collaborate on a one-off wine from the Section 94 vineyard, I leapt at the opportunity. The 2025 harvest was unusual for Marlborough in that quality was exceptionally high, but volumes were generous too. Matt suggested taking some of the superb fruit normally destined for Section 94 and, rather than fermenting and ageing it in oak as usual, placing it into stainless steel with some gentle yeast-lees work. The aim was to capture the pedigree of this remarkable site, arguably one of the world’s great sources of sauvignon blanc, as vividly as possible, without the influence of oak.
Having tasted the finished wine, I can honestly say I am utterly blown away.
Order these wines by midday, Tuesday 11th August
First and foremost, this is simply a seriously classy fine white wine. It also happens to be an outstanding expression of sauvignon blanc, but one that rises well above the stereotype. There is none of the exaggerated green pungency that has sadly become associated with entry-level Marlborough examples. Instead, the profile is mineral, poised and seriously impressive. Stone fruit, wet stone and layered aromatics build steadily from the glass. The wine is ripe and generous yet threaded with tension and remarkable mineral drive.
The palate has real structure and texture while remaining wonderfully pure. The depth and mid-palate weight come directly from the vineyard, a site known for producing sauvignon with notable power and concentration. Towards the finish, a delicate note of green-apple flesh and a hint of gooseberry appear, gently reminding us of the grape variety, though they register more as a refined nod than a stereotypical shout. The finish is long and seamless, the acidity perfectly integrated and carrying the wine’s vibrant core for what seems like an age.
I was so taken by the finished wine that I struggled to spit it out while tasting, perhaps the highest compliment a wine buyer can give!
The name ‘Eleven’ comes from the Dog Point vineyard team’s nickname for Section 94, which they refer to as Block 11. Perhaps an unusual name for a wine but I have heard stranger things.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this one-off project from one of the small handful of very best producers in New Zealand. Famed as they are for producing some of the most distinctive sauvignon blanc in the world, it would be a real shame to miss out on this unique, sophisticated and utterly delicious fine white wine. It is a wonderful gift to the world of wine and an incredible coup to have secured the entire production exclusively for Wine Society members.
