Glacial Tension: Clos Henri “Otira – Glacial Stones” SB 2023

Tasting Notes

Pale, light gold in the glass—super polished. Aromas of passionfruit, white pear, spiced apple, lemon zest and a salty-flint nuance serve up Marlborough’s French‑style freshness. On the palate: layers of candied citrus, peach, elderflower plushness meet chalky phenolics and minerally tension. Weighty yet refined, with spice on the back palate and a persistent, flinty finish. Long, elegant and textural.

Meet the Winemaker

Clos Henri is run by the Bourgeois family—think Sancerre meets Marlborough. Their Otira vineyard sits atop ancient glacial stones, organically farmed and fermented with lees stirring and a small fraction in old French oak—all to highlight site purity and texture. It's Sauvignon Blanc, refined New Zealand style. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand (Otira “Glacial Stones” single vineyard)

• Aging: ~8 months on lees (stainless + ~10% older French oak), additional blending and aging before bottling

• ABV: ~14–14.1%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 8–10 °C

Critic Reviews

• Wine Advocate (Erin Larkin): 95 pts — “Texturally sophisticated, pure and energetic… back‑palate spices, chalky phenolics and white‑scale fruits… restrained, long and persistent wine… highly recommended.”

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 pts — “A vibrant light‑gold color… thread of salty, flinty minerality through grapefruit, lime & passion fruit. A pithy, crunchy texture with a long citrus punch. Classy drop.” 

• James Suckling: 94 pts — “Clear and balanced… sliced spiced pears, apples and lemons with flint on nose & palate. Medium body, very attractive.” 

Food Pairings

• Grilled scallop ceviche or oysters with saline citrus

• Asparagus or goat-cheese salad with herb vinaigrette

• Thai fish tacos with lime & cilantro

• Lemony chicken skewers or melon & prosciutto crostini

Why You Need This Bottle

Because this is Marlborough’s minerality flex in a glass. Clos Henri Otira is Sauvignon Blanc sharpened like a single‑vineyard blade—layered, textural, poised. It’s elegant enough to impress, bold enough to wake up your palate, and surprisingly serious for $25–$30.

Snag this 94‑95 pt single-vineyard legend now. Free shipping on when applicable, club deals available—click “Add to Cart” and let that flinty finish do the talking.