There’s a new producer in Marlborough who pick their Sauvignon Blanc bunches at usual ripeness, pick any suspect berries from those bunches, then lay those bunches on beds of straw in large greenhouses under cover for 4-5 weeks – hard to believe really but it’s true.

Ex-pat Brits, Hugh Girling and Stephen Rae have come together to try some new wine making techniques which although may seem radical, have been used in the old world for centuries.

“Eureka Wines are focused on creating unique styles of wine, combining modern, traditional and often radical wine-making techniques. With only a hundred cases of each variety made, we hope that our wines create the same sense of excitement for our customers, as it was for us to create them.”

I think they have nailed these two first-vintage wines and keep an eye out as they have a Pinot Noir on the way too… and I see a photo on their Facebook page that seems to have bunches of Pinot Noir on Straw… Can’t wait to try that..

2011 Eureka Marlborough Gewurztraminer: Bright gold in the glass with spices and ginger in the nose, the use of 15% Acacia barrels added a nice textural element but different than oak, on the palate more a hint of Savvy! floral & sweet honey, powerful, unctuous, peaches, apricot kernel, nice spice in the finish. Glenys loved it to and she is a big Gewurtz Fan. 89 pts

2011 Eureka Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Straw Wine: I’m not a big Sticky fan but this was lovely green-gold in the glass, sweet cut grass and green herbal notes in the nose – luscious apricot / stone fruit with bright citrus / lemon lime, wonderful balance of acid / sweet fruit but not cloying, a succulent long finish – absolute stunner! 91 pts

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