Winemaker Notes
Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are characterized by fresh acidity and aromatic intensity derived from the cool climate, high sunlight intensity and free draining soils. Handpicking and fermenting in cuve give the Paper Nautilus Sauvignon understated aromas of citrus peel, wet stones and hazelnuts. The palate is concentrated yet subtle with a creamy texture, focused acidity and a dry lingering finish.
This Sauvignon is more savoury and textural than many other Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, so try pan fried fish with fresh green beans, olive and caper sauce, or roasted white beans and fennel rather than fruity or tropical flavours.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc is the premium Sauvignon Blanc offering from Nautilus, and I was lucky enough to taste it from (very large format) barrel when I was at the estate in September 2023. While it is certainly punchy and intense, it also is defined by mineral restraint and elegance. The wine is greyscale in its offerings, with lanolin and beeswax, crushed shells and tissue paper, layers of enoki mushroom, brine and even hints of white miso. A superb wine I highly recommend. All class. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Barrel Sample: 95+ -
James Suckling
Attractive character of dried mangoes and other tropical fruit as well as crushed stone. Medium-bodied, tangy and layered, with lots of flavor at the end.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
An icon and leading region of New Zealand's distinctive style of Sauvignon blanc, Marlborough has a unique terroir, making it ideal for high quality grape production (of many varieties). Despite some common generalizations, which could be fairly justified given that Marlborough is responsible for 90% of New Zealand's Sauvignon blanc production, the wines from this region are actually anything but homogenous. At the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the vineyards of Marlborough benefit from well-draining, stony soils, a dry, sunny climate and wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, a phenomenon that supports a perfect balance between berry ripeness and acidity.
The region’s king variety, Sauvignon blanc, is beloved for its pungent, aromatic character with notes of exotic tropical fruit, freshly cut grass and green bell pepper along with a refreshing streak of stony minerality. These wines are made in a wide range of styles, and winemakers take advantage of various clones, vineyard sites, fermentation styles, lees-stirring and aging regimens to differentiate their bottlings, one from one another.
Also produced successfully here are fruit-forward Pinot noirs (especially where soils are clay-rich), elegant Riesling, Pinot gris and Gewürztraminer.