Babich Family Estates Headwaters Organic Albarino Reviews

“The vibrant, youthful 2017 vintage (4*) was estate-grown in the Headwaters Vineyard, near Renwick, in the Wairau Valley, tank-fermented and lees-aged for five months. Medium to full-bodied, it is invitingly scented, with strong, citrusy, slightly appley flavours, woven with mouth-watering acidity, a slightly minerally streak and a long, dryish (8 grams/litre residual sugar) finish. Certified organic.”
4 STARS
– Michael Cooper, New Zealand Wines Buyer’s Guide, www.michaelcooper.co.nz , May 2018

“Varietal with white and yellow peach, red apple and lemon; a light saline layer and some wet stone mineral notes. Weighty, fruity and spicy with a white peach to citrus transition on the palate, some juicy fruit gum flavours and a floral note. Just dry, fleshy texture and balanced. A lovely example sure to please many who try.”
93 POINTS
– Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout, Aug 2018 issue

“Brilliant, light straw-yellow colour with pale golden hues, lighter on the rim.  The nose is fresh and tightly bound, quite elegant in expression with delicately penetrating aromas of pure white florals along with subtle notes of citrus fruit, white stonefruits and minerals.  Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate has taut, but intense flavours of white stonefruits, white florals, and citrus fruit.  The palate is brisk and racy with zesty acidity, with the wine showing excellent energy and drive.  This flows along a very fine-textured line, carrying to a slim, but intense and sustained finish.  This is an elegant, but intensely flavoured dry Albarino with stonefruit, floral and citrus fruit flavours on a zesty palate with drive and linearity.”
4 STARS
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, Apr 2018

From the Winery

Babich Family Estates Headwaters Albariño was first harvested in 2015 from our certified organic Headwaters Vineyard in Marlborough. This aromatic wine is pale, off dry, with a refreshing acidity.

Production Notes:

This is the 3rd harvest of Albariño fruit from our certified organic Headwaters Vineyard. It it spent time in cold soak prior to pressing. The juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled cool temperatures to capture the intense flavours and aromatic purity of the variety. Fermentation was halted prior to dryness to balance the refreshing acidity. Bottling took place soon after completion of ferment.

Technical Notes:
Alcohol: 11.5%
TA: 8.0 g/L
pH: 3.25
Residual Sugar: 8.0 g/L

Tasting Notes:
Lifted and pretty aromas, with sweet mandarin/ lemon notes and floral mineral elements. Juicy and sweet fruit entry, predominately tangelo, that moves into honey and lime through to the finish. Mouth-filling and beautifully textured. Great balance.

Grape:
Albariño

Region:
Marlborough

Vineyard:
Headwaters vineyard

Recommended Food:
Fish and seafood of all kinds. Spicy dishes also can work well.

Recommended Cellaring:
1-4 year