Gorgeous, seamless, elegant.
While our beloved Sauvignon Blanc might be the heart of Marlborough, it's certainly not the only variety to take root in the region. This outstanding Chardy was born of one of the warmest seasons on record but careful vineyard management ensured balance in this gorgeous wine. It was barrel fermented with native yeasts and matured in French oak barrique (20% new) with lees stirring to add texture.
It presents bright golden fruits, wildflower honey and lemons with undertones of roasted nuts and savoury spices. Notable here, the deft use of oak, a seasoning rather than a clumsy thwack of wood in the mouth, and the creamy and mouthfilling yet lively character. Elegant and seamless, it is a delight to drink and the bottom of the bottle arrives too soon.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 7th, 2020

aromatic, zesty, concentrated.
Marlborough's signature variety is wonderfully represented by Nautilus Estate.
For this 2019, the juice was fermented with a variety of aromatic yeast strains in stainless steel tanks; the sole aim being to reflect and preserve the flavours and aromas from the vineyard. Seven percent of the juice was fermented with a non-saccharomyces yeast and two-percent was barrel fermented. After fermentation, the wine was kept in contact with the lees for five months to enhance creaminess and integrate flavours.
Beautiful aromas of elderflower and gooseberry, lemon peel, honey and peach are underscored by smoked agave. It has a juicy character but also a concentrated weight; citrus, starfruit, gooseberry and green papaya flavours culminate in a long zesty finish.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2021

The Marsanne grapes that go into this wine come from sixty-year-old vines planted in a small vineyard, which is one of the oldest in the appellation.
It's a wonderful example of the variety; golden in colour, it offers smoked spices, roasted nuts, waxy lanolin and baked yellow apples. The palate is rich, lemony and finely woven. Supple in texture, balanced and persistent, it's a complete package.
As reviewed in Vines Magazine, summer 2019.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 16th, 2019

Textural, fresh, easy.
Earthy, spicy and fresh with wild blackberry, leather and cocoa aromas, this easy everyday red is juicy and has appealing texture on the palate.
Dinners of roasted meats or veg, hearty soups or aged goat cheeses.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2018