DOG POINT

Dog Point Vineyard is one of Marlborough, New Zealand’s most highly regarded wine estates, particularly known for its serious, ageworthy expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. It was established in 2004 by Ivan Sutherland (viticulturist) and James Healy (winemaker), both formerly senior figures at Cloudy Bay, who left to create their own label with a focus on quality and authenticity.

The estate’s 200 hectares are located in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, an area with clay-rich soils and cooler night-time temperatures that produce fruit with greater texture and depth compared to the lighter, more herbaceous styles from the Wairau Plains. Farming is certified organic through BioGro New Zealand, with an emphasis on low yields, hand-picking, and minimal intervention.

The style across the board is ripe yet restrained, with balance, purity, and texture taking precedence over overt aromatics. Section 94 in particular has become a cult wine among sommeliers for its complexity and longevity.