95 POINTS
Nicole Bilson - Winepilot
A very different Sauvignon Blanc, The Paper Nautilus spends 9 months in large format French oak. This gives the wine an elegance and restraint, whilst celebrating premium Marlborough fruit. It has the zesty, herbaceous fragrance of strolling through a lemon grove and the sweet perfume of juicy white nectarines and plump vanilla pods. As it opens in the glass, frangipani and passionfruit blossoms erupt; before being joined by mango and brined Sicilian olives. Remarkably, the intense florals continue on the palate. Cinnamon and nutmeg join the sweet baking spices, with a burst of lemon and lime freshness. Resist the urge to drink this wine icy cold; as the chill dissipates, the seductively silky texture evolves.
93 POINTS
Tom Kline - Winepilot
Subtle toast and lemon butter lead on the nose, followed by layers of nettle, green almond, lemongrass, lemon rind, a hint of green olive brine and green gage plum. It’s savoury, intriguing, and quietly complex. The palate is textural and fulsome, driven by bursts of lemongrass, green apple and lemon peel. Crushed rock minerality adds dimension, while pithy acidity brings structure and line, extending into a long, citrus-charged finish. A distinctive and beguiling expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—characterful, composed and packed with interest.
93 POINTS
Ray Jordan - Winepilot
This is a small-batch Sauvignon Blanc from the Heritage Block Renwick Estate, only made in the best years. Unlike many Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, it was fermented and aged in large-format French oak for nine months, delivering both texture and complexity evident initially on the nose and then through into a quite rich palate. The compelling combination of cashew and lemongrass provides tremendous interest on the palate. It’s a classy expression of Marlborough.
93 POINTS
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Full disclosure, I love this cuvée. Oak is so commonly used to express a more complex side of Sauvignon Blanc, but it is so often applied with a heavy hand. In my opinion, the oak is best applied with the desired endgame being an increase in structure, loosening of texture and complexing of character. Here, in this 2023 The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc, the large-format oak has done just this. While the fruit is able to express itself fully, the oak contributes a toasty edge to the wine. The acidity is on the lemon spectrum, the fruit speaks of kiwi fruit, feijoa, white strawberries and even a hint of cassis, and everything comes together with class in the end. Recommended. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
92 POINTS
Shanteh Wale - Halliday Wine Companion
Hand-picked fruit form the Renwick vineyard and fermented in a 3000L French oak cuve; 8 months on yeast lees. The wine is filled with loquat fruit, candied pineapple rings and chamomile. Treacle and bee pollen. A powdery nutmeg and brazil nut bitterness on the finish. A wine for burgundy glasses and crispy roast chicken skin. This has the weight for far richer meats and decadent creamy textures. Well balanced and detailed.
This is very intense, showing lots of mineral, green-melon and lime aromas and flavors that follow through to a medium body with creamy texture and stone undertones. Complex and flinty at the end.
91 POINTS
Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc The Paper Nautilus is a savory, stylish Sauvignon Blanc that fermented in large barrels. Nautilus Estate’s careful handling is made clear in the glass. Its edges are round and this displays a succulent texture with lightly flinty and floral notes combined with a touch of lemon citrus. The lithe, drawn-out acidity provides precision on the finish. A little more length would be welcome, as it is rather tasty.
Aromas of white peaches, crushed river stones and passion-fruit curd. The palate is light-bodied with a creamy texture cut through with fresh acidity, giving notes of candied lime zest, flint, Meyer lemons and blueberry bush. Sophisticated and pure.
