Akarua de Bettencor Single Vineyard Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2020 $40 
This certified organic sauvignon blanc is grown in the de Bettencor vineyard, which sits between the base of the Pisa Range and Lake Dunstan in the Pisa sub-region. Named after Boaventura de Bettencor, a Portuguese explorer in the late 1800’s who made his way to Central Otago for the gold rush and became a successful sluicer. His spot was later planted into an orchard that heaved with stonefruit for generations.
The vineyard was named in his honour. The vines themselves are of a mystery sauvignon blanc clone that grows on ungrafted roots and this is the inaugural release by winemaker Andrew Keenleyside and viticulturist Mark Naismith. Handpicked and whole bunch pressed then fermented with a combo of wild and cultured yeasts inside 100% neutral, old barrels before being quietly matured on its yeast lees to add layers of extra complexity. The result is a beautifully clean, lemongrassy, lime-laden wine with superb freshness and tension. A mineral-laced core and soft herbaceous tones make this a new favourite for me. I absolutely love it! See my video review here
