On the Brink

Certified Organic, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Blend, 2019

An old vine Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from Marlborough’s most historic organic vineyard. Aromatic, with notes of lemongrass, white peach and lanolin leading through to a textured and poised palate, which shifts between mineral-style acidity and citrus refreshment.

‘Fascinating in every respect, the layers of seriously impressive citrus and herb fruit are interwoven with discreet smokiness making this a veritable mille-feuille of tanginess, texture and length. It is unlike anything I have seen before and I urge you to track it down.’
Matthew Jukes, UK Journalist

About the Vineyard

The Brink Vineyard

The Vineyard

Renwick Terrace Sub Region

The Renwick Terrace is located halfway along the Wairau Valley subregion and a short distance from the township of Renwick. The subregion is home to some of Marlborough’s oldest organic vines, including our vineyard ‘The Brink’, and is also where ‘The Coterie’ winery is located.

The Brink

Vineyard

‘The Brink’ was planted in 1992 and is the oldest organic vineyard in Marlborough. The 3.5 hectares sit on the Renwick Terrace overlooking the Wairau Plain and consists of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. There is an incredible sense of history here, the gnarled old vines, trellised high on cordons, are distinctly different to anything else you see in the valley. A vineyard ear-marked for replanting has been rescued, and its low yielding vines cherished not cursed! It is a remarkable site with the vineyard slowly being bought back from ‘the brink’ to show off its old vine pedigree.

Watch the tasting

Tasting "On the Brink"

With Ben Glover

Watch Marlborough Wine Maker Ben Glover as he tastes "On the Brink" in the Vineyard.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Medium Lemon

Aroma

The wine aromatically exhibits lemongrass, white peach, lanolin, and a hint of struck match on the nose.

Palate

Lemon and lime skin aromas lead very strongly onto the palate, with an immediate sense or richness and weight. The skin contact, particularly on the Semillon elements is obvious, giving the wine incredible vertical grip. A fuller bodied wine. Structurally and texturally fascinating, the varietal co-fermentation softening, but not repressing the polar opposite pull of the varietals. The wine over delivers, is delicious immediately but it will be very intriguing to watch the pallet fatten with age.