The Paper Nautilus wine from Nautilus Estate in Marlborough. Named after the Argonaut shells (Paper Nautilus) that are washed up on the beaches of the Marlborough Sounds:

“For authorities whose hopes
are shaped by mercenaries?
Writers entrapped by
teatime fame and by
commuters’ comforts? Not for these
the paper nautilus
constructs her thin glass shell.“

Marianne Moore

Handpicked fruit from the Heritage block on the Renwick vineyard, pressed off with some solids to a 10-year-old, 3000L French Oak Cuve.  20-day fermentation, before maturation on yeast lees for 8 months.

Nautilus Estate, The Paper Nautilus, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2023

Rich and expressive: cashew cream, passionfruit curd, lemongrass, peanut butter, hints of white chocolate, bramble, young asparagus, pineapple core, gun flint and greengage. Tight, yet broad. Textural elements from the lees and oak give power, while the finish is crisp and zingy. Intense and capable of a few years in the cellar.

RRP: $36
Alc: 13.5%
Rating:  94/100

Wine sample courtesy of Nautilus Estate Wines