AB Newsletter - Dog Point Jan 13

TRIALTO | January 13th 2025

Vinous on DOG POINT VINEYARD

Dog Point makes pure, low-yielding Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from its organic vineyards in Marlborough. It also produces a funky, cloudy, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, Section 94, which treads a very fine line, verging on faulty. Interestingly, the estate has implemented a new policy on when to release this wine to give it time to integrate. The 2018 is different from previous vintages, with less reduction (perhaps all the rain of the vintage washed off the sulfur), but it also helped by the decision to hold back the wine for six to seven years, which is the goal for this cuvée going forward. It feels like Section 94's promise is finally materializing after years of wondering who on earth found pleasure in such funk. The latest Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023, shows that lower yields and hand-harvesting have a distinct effect on reducing thiols. After being initially reductive, it reveals pure fruit and fine texture. The 2021 Chardonnay remains a little sweet in its fruit profile, but it’s not short on power and will be one for the long haul. There’s much to like in this Chardonnay. There’s no doubt Dog Point is constantly refining their wines, and that’s really exciting to follow.
Rebecca Gibb MW, April 2024

As of this release, Dog Point isholding the Section 94 back in their cellar and releasing with more bottle age. This current release is 2017!

Learn more about the Dog Point story and GM Matthew Sutherland (pictured above) in this informative and engaging podcast episode from Read Between the Wines.

DOG POINT VINEYARD
Sauvignon Blanc Section 94 2017

	Organic
	Vegan

	Product code	740435
	Format	6x750ml
	Country	New Zealand
	Regulated designation	Table wine
	Region	South Island
	Subregion	Marlborough
	Varietal(s)	Sauvignon Blanc 100 %
	Colour	White
	Closure type	Cork

- 95 Points -

Wine Advocate, December 2024

The 2017 Section 94 is framed by generous oak, but the fruit in the mouth is profound and powerful. This is all smoked almonds, flint, coffee grounds, lemon pith, preserved citrus, caper brine and white peach. In the mouth, it has the incisiveness and piercing purity of a well-made martini, and this lingers through the finish. Complex and exciting, it's not a typical Sauvignon Blanc. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

DOG POINT VINEYARD
Sauvignon Blanc 2023

South Island, New Zealand

389528 | 12x750ml |

- 94 Points -

Wine Spectator, July 2024

Lush and expressive, with plenty of concentration to the mix of mango, lemon curd and litsea oil flavors. Details of dried pineapple, candied ginger and crystalized orange zest add complexity and aromatics on the long finish. Drink now. 35,000 cases made, 8,000 cases imported.

DOG POINT VINEYARD
Chardonnay 2020

South Island, New Zealand

742413 | 6x750ml |

- 94 Points -

Wine Advocate, November 2023

The 2020 Chardonnay is reductive and flinty on the nose and leads with lashings of crushed nuts, curry leaf, cap gun, yellow flesh peach, salted apples and brine. In the mouth, the wine is mouthfilling and bony in the very best of ways, with rich fruit that provides a chorus through the finish. Is it so reductive and worked that it will polarize? Possibly. Probably. Do I love it? Yes. Horses for courses. This is classy wine with lots to touch and feel. I bet it ages well, too. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

DOG POINT VINEYARD
Pinot Noir 2020

South Island, New Zealand

742412 | 6x750ml |

- 94 Points -

James Suckling, September 2022

This has a complex nose of wild strawberries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts, thyme, nutmeg and bark. Sleek tannins with a creamy texture. Medium body. Silky, long and sophisticated with wonderful depth. From organically grown grapes.

DOG POINT VINEYARD
Pinot Noir 2012

South Island, New Zealand

808467 | 6x750ml |

- 93 Points -

Wine Advocate, December 2014

Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2012 Pinot Noir opens to a lovely core of red and black cherry fruits accented with hints of violets, lavender, forest floor and mossy bark. Medium-bodied, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and lively acid supporting the muscular berry and earthy flavors. It finishes long and clean.


	Listen to the podcast episode featuring Dog Point GM Matthew Sutherland.

About DOG POINT VINEYARD

Dog Point Vineyard is one of the oldest privately established vineyards in Marlborough. Established in 2002 by partners, Ivan & Margaret Sutherland, and James & Wendy Healy. After working together at Cloudy Bay, Ivan and James decided to return to a more hands-on approach and establish their own wine label. Dog Point Vineyard is located at the confluence of the Brancott and Omaka Valleys in Marlborough, New Zealand’s premium wine growing region