Rapaura Springs (pronounced Ra-para) is a unique oasis in the dry Marlborough landscape with natural underground springs providing a life source for the vines. This pure water enables the vineyards to produce outstanding fruit with minimal intervention. The logo represents the water of the multiple springs that flow from their stony aquifer.
“This land is only good for raising Bulls”, said the previous owner of the Bull Paddock. Little did he know, back in the mid 80’s, he was selling prime land for growing super –premium Sauvignon Blanc. For centuries, before flood control, the Wairau River would overflow in to the Opawa River located in the acclaimed Dillons Point region. The water would rise up on to the land that is now the Bull Paddock vineyard and deposit silt which holds all the nutrients and organic matter that feeds the hungry vines.
Today, the soil found on the front block of this vineyard is 300 mm deep and rests over a clay pan. This is where we source the grapes for the Bull Paddock Sauvignon Blanc. The soil profile ensures the vines work hard in creating the concentrated characters in the wine.
The cool afternoon easterlies, coming from the ocean north of Marlborough, drop the temperature at night, aiding flavour development. Rapaura harvest in the cool of the night, when the fruit is at optimum ripeness. The chilled grapes are quickly delivered to the winery, the closest in the area. The result: The freshest, most expressive and ‘thiol rich’ source of grapes, beautifully captured in the resultant wine.
Once pressed, the juice was fermented at cool temperatures to retain the fresh fruit flavours from the vineyard.
2021 was a unique vintage, one of the earliest and shortest on record. The growing season was the third in a series of drought vintages, the stress on the vines was compounded by a huge wind run. The combination of some early frost events and a poor flowering resulted in lower yields and smaller bunches than usual. This, combined with the dry conditions, has meant that disease levels are incredibly low this year, resulting in better flavours and pristine fruit with good concentration. We’re thrilled with the concentration and intensity of flavour in our 2021 wines, this vintage will be one to remember.
Vibrant aromas of passionfruit, guava and tropical fruit that follow through to the palate. These intense fruit flavours are complemented by an intriguing saline minerality and vibrant acidity.
Try with Fish and Chips or a crisp Caesar salad.
Best served at 10-12°C
Dillons Point, Marlborough, New Zealand
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Screwcap
13.5%
3.6g/l
6.8g/l
Yes
Yes
