Published this month, the tasting highlighted the Blank Canvas Syrah as “standing out for its tactile elegance, its aromatic charm and the finesse of its tannins. Despite producing just 0.24% of the world’s 185,000 hectares of Syrah, the tasting demonstrated that New Zealand can contend with the superstars of France’s Rhône Valley.
The wine review placed Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Syrah as the one of the top Syrahs from New Zealand, sharing the equal highest score (93 points) with Fromm Syrah from Marlborough. In addition, the La Revue du Vin de France, which is one of the most influential wine publications in Europe, chose to feature Blank Canvas winery within the wider article.
Master of Wine Jeremy Cukierman, who judged alongside six other panellists including top French sommeliers and wine journalists, further expressed that the Syrah from Blank Canvas was “a floral, elegant, fine and dynamic wine… fresh, sapid Syrah with a Rhône accent, created by these two lovers of Côte-Rôtie wines.”
It is no secret that we adore the wines of the Northern Rhône, especially Côte-Rôtie , which is why the recognition of our single vineyard Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels is so meaningful. Since our first Syrah vintage in 2014, we have conveyed how we believe the Gimblett Gravels and Hawke’s Bay is the ideal place to grow and produce genuinely cool-climate, elegant and aromatic Syrah that echoes this variety’s spiritual homeland.
Having our bottle grace the cover of La Revue alongside the most revered and expensive Syrahs of the world is a truly incredible feeling. These are the very wines that have inspired us. Some of the bottles in this tasting are €300+, but Northern Rhône Syrah is still the bargain of the wine world commanding only a fraction of the thousands of dollars a bottle comparative quality Burgundy wines sell for. I think we’ll see that change in coming years as more consumers realise the sensory pleasure and cerebral experience top cool climate syrah can offer.
We are very excited that the potential of New Zealand Syrah has been identified by none other than La Revue. New Zealand is still on a journey with Syrah and while we certainly haven’t arrived at our full potential, we’re on an exciting trajectory.
The full article including all 60 reviews feature in the January 2024 edition of La Revue du Vin de France.
]]>Peter and Susie are the award-winning presenters of the top-ranking UK wine podcast ‘Susie & Peter’, and are known for their television, broadcasting and public speaking appearances.
To be singled out in this way against the hundreds of international wines Susie and Peter taste throughout the year is absolutely thrilling and reinforces our belief that this wine and vineyard is truly something special.
The whole podcast episode is a brilliant reflection on Susie & Peter's year of wine exploration and discovery, and we'd encourage you to listen, which you can do here. In this episode, these two gloriously entertaining experts not only unveil their BIG GONG announcements of Sparkling, White, Red and Wine of the Year, but also cover such diverse topics as wine fraud, AI in wine, the vine uprooting programme in Bordeaux, and wine consumption trends globally.
“Our White Wine of the Year is……. the toasty, nutty, seriously savoury and utterly compelling 2022 Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay from Marlborough in New Zealand!”
Some other highlights for this wine:
Master of Wine Bob Campbell has rated both our 2023 Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and 2022 Reed Vineyard Chardonnay Top Ranks and 95 points in their categories, while our 2023 Anandale Farm Riesling has received a fantastic 94 point rating.
2022 Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay | Top Rank: #1 2022 Marlborough Chardonnay
Weighty, mouth-filling chardonnay with grapefruit, saline/oyster shell, lime zest, nutty yeast lees and a suggestion of sizzled butter. Great without the complication of food but even better with my hot-smoked salmon. 95 Points
2023 Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc | Top Rank: #2 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Intense, punchy sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, lime zest, oyster shell, red capsicum and lemongrass flavours. Mouth-watering acidity perfectly balances a hint of sweetness to leave a refreshingly dry finish. Delicious wine 95 Points
2023 Blank Canvas Anandale Farm Riesling
An initial hint of sweetness is perfectly balanced by mouth-watering acidity giving the wine an exquisite sweet-sour tension. Flavours of lime zest, oyster shell and lemon curd give good varietal definition. 94 Points
Cameron Douglas MS has meanwhile reviewed the wines with three outstanding 95 point ratings, and an excellent 93 points for our 2023 Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. He had the following to say:
Blank Canvas Anandale Farm Riesling 2023, Marlborough
There’s nothing but purity of variety and fruit as the scents touch the nose, aromas of apricot stone and lemon, white fleshed fruits and blossoms. The pristine quality that the bouquet presents also showcases a mineral quality of wet stone and fresh water stream. Elderflower and lime-flower, lemonade lemons and white apricot. Off-dry on the palate with a lush sweetness, high-acidity and a core of flavours that mirror the bouquet. Youthful, fresh, vibrant and plush. A delicious wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2030+. 95 Points – Outstanding
Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, Marlborough
An excellent example of Chardonnay from the Blank Canvas team with aromas and flavours of white fleshed stone fruits and a citrus seam woven through the core. Taut and dry, youthful and textured with a lovely palate squeeze and urgency. Flavours expand on the palate as the wine opens out and gets closer to ambient with baking spices and a light reductive flinty highlight. Oak frames the fruit and is judicious in its level and impact. Generous weight, gentle warming alcohol, plenty of intensity, length and power. A wine best enjoyed from mid to late 2024 through 2030+ 95 Points – Outstanding
Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough
Pungent, intense, fruity, varietal and exacting bouquet of fresh lemon and basil, sage and ripe white flesh fruits, some stone, some tropical. Youthful, vibrant and inviting. On the palate an equally vibrant and refreshing style with salivating acidity, a moment of salinity, flavours of fresh herbs and citrus, white fleshed fruits and tropical moments. Minerality shows as wet river stones and there’s a light floral note on the finish. Well made, saline on the finish and ready to drink from 2024 through 2027+. 93 Points – Excellent
Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough
Distinctive, complex, youthful, layered and intriguing bouquet. Aromas of white peach and soft-curve grapefruit pith, white fleshed orchard fruits, a distinctive lees complexity and a whisper of bottle ageing create a harmonious and alluring bouquet. There’s a touch of sage too. On the palate a delicious wine with synergies of texture and flavour, grapefruit and lees, white flowers and black currant, other flavours from barrel ageing and a purity of fruit all build up to a wine of complexity and subtle bottle-development. A wine to watch, a modern expression with a lengthy and intriguing finish. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029. 95 Points – Outstanding.
95 Points - Decanter | Top Three New Zealand Syrah | August 2023
"Intense hints of smoke, clove and grilled meats. Amazingly complex with ripe blackberry and cherry, baked plum and anise, and a long savoury finish. Very, very peppery." - Christine Marsiglio MW
95 Points - WANDS | Top Cool-Climate Syrah | July-August 2023
(translated) "Great aromatic complexity. Graphite, seed spices, burnt rubber, savory herbs, spices, burnt rubber. Intense and delicate. The nose is reductive and shy at first but explodes with time. Potential is very high. Aromas of cherries and black fruits, with a slight okoshi-like savory note. The attack is supple and the acidity is fresh. The tannins are fine but rich. Needs a few more years of cellaring. Plum. Vibrant. Impressive acidity and tension, elegant as if it were a Pinot Noir (Yanagi)."
We have a limited amount of this vintage remaining; perfect for throwing in the cellar with some for enjoyment now and the balance to mature over the next few years.
]]>Blank Canvas is thrilled to be ranked number one Marlborough producer and in 22nd position overall out of all New Zealand wineries. The tasting team at The Real Review had the daunting task of tasting thousands of wines over the past year to establish their Top Wineries of New Zealand list. The 146 wineries who made the cut represent the top 18% of the country’s wineries, and therefore according to the ranking, Blank Canvas is in the top 5% of New Zealand’s finest producers.
“Attaining this result is such meaningful recognition for us as it affirms we’re on the right track with fulfilling our purpose to craft the most exciting expressions of New Zealand fine wine we can,” says Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, co-founder and general manager of Blank Canvas.
Blank Canvas has been honoured to make the list every year since the Top Ranking’s inception six years ago, with co-founder and winemaker Matt Thomson explaining, “it is genuinely humbling and inspiriting for Sophie and I to receive acknowledgement like this, as we really do pour our heart and soul into these wines.”
Sophie adds, “we are driven not only by the fact we love making these special parcels of wine, working with equally passionate growers, but from a wider New Zealand perspective we really believe New Zealand should aim higher with all of our products on a global stage, above just a commodity baseline, because what we have here cannot be replicated anywhere else.”
“It is these kinds of initiatives that challenge and inspire our industry to aspire to greatness.”
]]>We are beyond thrilled that our Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay and Blank Canvas Abstract | Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc were awarded the highest scores in the report, taking out #1 spots for New Zealand Chardonnay and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc respectively.
The Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 scored 97 points, the highest awarded score in the report entitled 'New Zealand Whites: The Great Divide', while the 'Abstract' Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2019 scored 96 points, which is the highest score ever awarded to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc by the publication.
According to the Antonio Galloni Vinous rating scale, a score of 96 and above is described as being exceptional: 'A profound and emotionally moving wine that exemplifies the very best attributes of its kind. These are the world’s great, iconic wines.”
Gibb’s trademark style of perceptive and insightful wine journalism is evident throughout the report and reviews. She observes the schism appearing within the New Zealand wine industry; precarious, unprecedented scale and commoditisation versus a groundswell of quality-driven fine wine producers. The battleground is Marlborough, and an important vehicle in combating the former is Appellation Marlborough Wine, which we are founding members of. Certified AMW wines must be 100% Marlborough fruit, approved by an experienced tasting panel (judged blind) and be bottled in New Zealand ensuring provenance, integrity, authenticity and quality. Our Marlborough wines are all proudly Appellation Marlborough Wine certified.
What we are so happy about, possibly more than anything else, is that this report indicates Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is recognised as the truly fine wine it is capable of being. The exciting evolution of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is evident in the quality of wines emanating from the AMW organisation, and together with the initiatives and cohesion of this body of producers, exploring the fine wine scene in Marlborough has never been more rewarding.
Rebecca Gibb's full review of the Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2021:
“The 2021 Reed Vineyard Chardonnay is pure, harmonious and suave, caressing the mouth with its gentle texture and purity. It’s not showy but a wine worth getting to know: it provides cognitive and sensory pleasure. You can expect almond, oatmeal, smoky nuts and party popper aromas. Yes, party poppers. I really love the smell of party poppers, so I want to keep smelling this and having a little party shimmer. Pure and textural with a gourmand character that will make you want to lick your cheeks to keep tasting it. Already good; this is going to be great.” 97 points
'Abstract' | Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2019:
"The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Abstract Three Rows is a pure and sophisticated wine from, true to its name, three rows of a dry farmed parcel. It is bright and tangy yet savory. The fruit is pure and delicate, like a cloud. It is transparent and yet expansive in the mouth, having no heaviness. Light honey, nectarine, musky boxwood and oatmeal flavours abound with a light creamy character. Sensitive Sauvignon." 96 points
Additional Blank Canvas wines that achieved excellent scores were:
Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 awarded 95 points
Blank Canvas Anandale Farm Riesling 2022 awarded 93 points
Blank Canvas McKee Vineyard Gruner Veltliner 2017 awarded 92 points
Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 awarded 91 points
A wine awarded between 90-95 points at Vinous is regarded as outstanding: “A wine of remarkable personality and breed that is well worth seeking out.”
There being plenty of truly fine New Zealand wines that were tasted in this extensive tasting report, we are sincerely flattered. Though perhaps what is most meaningful for us is this statement from Gibb: “I have yet to find a wine from Blank Canvas that I wouldn’t recommend wholeheartedly.” Obtaining this sort of endorsement is inspiriting and reinforces that Marlborough is on the right track, at the pointy end at least.
]]>Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is excited to announce the launch of the Wine Map of Marlborough, a beautifully designed reference tool that delineates the Marlborough wine growing region for the first time.
It has been fifty years since the first commercial vineyards were planted in Marlborough, with significant growth occurring and vines now occupying around 30,000 hectares. “Naturally, subregions with distinct microclimates and stylistic features have been identified over this time,” says John Buchanan, AMW chair. “And the Wine Map of Marlborough represents the first genuine attempt to map these in a detailed way.”
AMW is a member-led organisation established in 2018 to protect the integrity, authenticity and brand value of wines produced within its region.
The map project was driven by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective (MWMC), a team of five AMW members including Simon Waghorn of Astrolabe, Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson MW of Blank Canvas, Ivan Sutherland of Dog Point, Brian Bicknell of Mahi and Brendan Neylon of Rapaura Springs. “We robustly debated and defined the current subregional hierarchy of Marlborough,” says Matt Thomson.
Over a two-year period, the ensemble worked in consultation with Wellington based cartographer Roger Smith of Geographx and local designer Megan Boreham of Eye Catcher Designs.
“The resulting ‘Wine Map of Marlborough’ is a vital resource in understanding the subregional detail and diversity of Marlborough,” says John. “We look forward to making it available to a wider audience, including industry colleagues, wine educators, and engaged consumers.”
Co-owners of Blank Canvas, who championed the development of the wine map, say that Marlborough winemakers have been talking about subregional identity for a long time. “We have, however, lacked the key tool to be able to communicate it effectively to our audience.” says Matt. “Without a universal and accurate map the default is a dangerous assumption that Marlborough is all the same. We know that is definitely not the case and we know this map will now enable everyone to start a more nuanced journey to understand sub-regionality and quality within our diverse region.”
The first edition of the Wine Map of Marlborough is a start in engendering greater understanding in the detail of Appellation Marlborough. “Marlborough’s hugely diverse soils, micro-climates and ultimately terroirs, mean producers can craft wildly different expressions of sauvignon blanc here,” says Matt. “The vision is that wine enthusiasts will be able to use the map to pinpoint the subregional style they desire, whether that be the lemongrass-accented Blind River, passionfruit and blackcurrant-driven Dillons Point, or elderflower and white currant expression of Condors Bend. And there are many more.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Marlborough Wine Map Collective for bringing this stunning and comprehensive map to fruition,” says Simon Barker, AMW committee member. “It had become abundantly clear that Marlborough needed to document its wine growing subregions and regional subsets. They are key aspects of our winemaking pedigree and provide context and definition to our diverse wine region.”
“Marlborough’s rapid success and market growth has occurred this past half century without any real controls in place, and certainly not the regulations the appellations and wines of Europe must comply with to protect the provenance, quality and value of their products,” says Matt. “This situation has conjured up a dangerous tipping point where the dilution of the brand value of Marlborough is occurring because of the dilution of the product itself.”
“The Marlborough Wine Map is an important step in creating some guidelines and understanding around our variegated region,” says Simon. “The Marlborough appellation can not and should not be simplified to the provincial boundary, we must take a lead from pioneering wine regions who’ve defined their land by geology and geography.”
Marlborough wine displaying the AMW icon on their label provide consumers with an assurance of origin and authenticity. “These wines have been certified as a true expression of our region and contain 100% pure Marlborough fruit. This is an integral mark. A mark of integrity.” says John. “The Marlborough Wine Map supports AMW’s efforts of promoting quality Marlborough wine and clearly illustrates the importance and interest of origin.”
ENDS
ABOUT THE MARLBOROUGH WINE MAP:
Click here to learn more about the Marlborough Wine Map collective, the evolution of its design and the incentives behind its development. The Marlborough Wine Map will be available for purchase direct from Appellation Marlborough Wine with profits returned to the Marlborough Wine Map Collective for research and development.
ABOUT APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE:
Appellation Marlborough Wine™ was established in 2018 with a strict certification process that the region’s producers are able to apply for. AMW is trademarked in all key global wine markets and it is the legal recognition that sets it apart from other new world certification practices.
Wines bearing the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) quality mark provide consumers the following guarantees:
ORIGIN – Wines are made from grapes that are 100% sourced from Marlborough.
AUTHENTICITY – Wines must be bottled in New Zealand.
INTEGRITY – All Wines are tasted blind and approved by an independent expert panel as being a true expression of its region and varietal.
SUSTAINABILITY – Vineyards are certified by a recognised sustainable viticulture scheme.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Amanda McRae | AMW Administrator
amanda@appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz
www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz
Facebook & Instagram | @appellationmarlboroughwine
Twitter | @amwinenz
#AskforAMW #AMWine
]]>New Zealand wine critics Bob Campbell MW and Cameron Douglas MS have both delivered high praise and scores for these wines, Douglas awarded his highest score to the 'Una Volta' Pinot Noir 2020 from Bannockburn, Central Otago with 96 points while Campbell could not find an ultimate favourite awarding 95 points to the Settlement Vineyard, Anthem Vineyard and Una Volta Pinot Noirs as well as the 2019 Element Vineyard Syrah from Gimblett Gravels.
As with all our Blank Canvas wines, these four new release Pinot Noir wines from Marlborough and Central Otago and our Gimblett Gravels Syrah embody our never-ending pursuit to produce the finest New Zealand wine we can from exceptional and special single vineyards sites.
Full reviews are below:
2019 Blank Canvas Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir | Gibbston Valley | Central Otago
95 points - Outstanding Fabulous bouquet of delicacy and perfume, complexity and charm. Aromas of pressed roses and cherry flesh, there’s a fine savoury quality layering finesse and detail. Oak offers moments of spice and sweetness. On the palate - delicious, layers of texture and finesse with flavours to reflect the variety and complexity with strawberry and cherry, red apple and spice. Perfectly balanced with a fine chalky mouthfeel, fine tannins and medium+ acid line. Best drinking from 2023 through 2027+. Cameron Douglas MS
95 points - Elegant, fine-textured pinot noir with fine herbs, mixed spice and hedgerow aromas. High energy wine with a seamless texture. Nicely structured with fruit/alcohol sweetness balanced against fine, drying tannins. 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
2020 Blank Canvas 'Una Volta' Pinot Noir | Bannockburn | Central Otago
96 points - Outstanding. Fragrant and complex, there’s a delicacy as much as there is power; aromas of place and time, cherry flesh and raspberry, a fine savoury dried herb quality with layers of oak and mineral earth qualities. Plush and ripe with satin textures touching the palate first, flavours of cherries and flowers, dried herb and tilled soils. The oak add complexity and texture from a soft vanilla and sweetness to coarse silk tannins then a medium+ acid line. Delicious, powerful and charming. Best drinking from late 2024 or early 2025 through 2032+. Cameron Douglas MS
95 points - Pinot noir with restrained power and flavours suggesting black cherry, plum, mixed spice/wild thyme and spicy oak supported by fine, peppery tannins. Accessible but with good cellaring potential. 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
2019 Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah | Hawkes Bay
95 points - Intense wine with an appealing seamless texture and lifted aromatics. Dark berry, cassis, dark chocolate, vanilla, anise, and black pepper are also evident. Elegant, supple wine—a pleasure to taste 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
95 Points – Outstanding A powerful bouquet driven by aromas of spices and dark red fleshed fruits, seasoned red meats and there’s layers of barrel and smoke, wood spices and pressed violets. Complex and youthful. Equally powerful on the palate with a firm taut texture from tannins and back bone of acidity; tempering and contrasting core fruit flavours of dark berries and spiced meats layer in complexity and mouthfeel. This wine needs more time, it is delicous already, dry and lengthy. Best drinking from very late 2023 through 2033. Cameron Douglas MS
2020 Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir | Omaka | Marlborough
95 points - Attractively aromatic wine with floral/violet, red cherry, grape stems and a suggestion of classy oak. Elegant wine with high energy, crushed herb flavours. Approachable now but with good cellaring potential 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
94 points - Excellent A youthful core of dark red cherry and fruit spice, there’s a distinctive perfume of rose then wild berries and oak spice. A fine white smoke note from barrel and soft silty soil earthy quality layers in breadth and complexity. Lots of core red fruit flavours touch the palate first then textures from finer polished tannins, plenty of acidity and a fine saline quality. Fresh, varietal balanced, a nice tautness and gentle squeeze, well made, youthful still and lengthy. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030. Be great to see this wine in a year. Cameron Douglas MS
2020 Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Pinot Noir | Taylor Pass | Marlborough
94 Points- Excellent There’s a unique quality about the bouquet of this wine with a soft floral scents and heirloom red berry fruit fragrances with a fine lightly toasted wood quality and most importantly - a sense of place and time. Youthful and complex. Textures from tannins, wood and acidity touch the palate first with a savoury quality before the flavours of red berries, plums, flowers and red currant. Taut and textured with a youthful energy and drive. Best drinking from mid to late 2024 through 2030+. Keen to try this wine again then." Cameron Douglas MS
94 Points Elegant, textural pinot noir with cherry/berry, violet, brambles/grape stems and mixed spice flavours. Supple, high energy wine with latent complexity that needs a little bottle age to reveal. 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
]]>This collection includes our two Blank Canvas Sauvignon Blanc wines, our classic Holdaway Vineyard and the savoury, age-worthy 'Abstract' | Three Rows, which is dressed in striking new livery. In addition to the above requirements, these two Sauvignon Blanc were also blind tasted by an experienced panel of tasters prior to being certified as part of AMW's additional commitment to ensuring AMW certified Sauvignon Blanc are authentic and true to place.
For the first time this year other varieties may also be certified with AMW. This is an extension the organisation made as it evolves and strengthens its commitment to protect and respect Marlborough. In this collection we have our two new release single vineyard Chardonnays - the Reed Vineyard and Escaroth Vineyard from the exceptional 2021 vintage, our 2022 Anandale Farm Riesling from the Blind River sub-region and for our loyal Gruner Veltliner fans who have been patiently waiting for the new vintage, our 2017 McKee Vineyard Gruner Veltliner which is also from Blind River.
Opening reviews are already in for the 2019 Abstract | Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc with 95 point scores from both Bob Campbell MW and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas. Wine writing veteran Michael Cooper also concurred, scoring the new vintage 5 stars. Some of the early comments – “Don't quaff it, savour it. This is serious sauvignon.”, “Delicious, fresh and complex.”, “complexity, and a finely textured, long finish.”
All wines are limited in volume, with some severely restricted and are guaranteed to sell out quickly.
Consistently regarded as one of the top scoring classic Sauvignon Blancs in New Zealand, this wine delivers another powerhouse performance in the 2022 vintage with hallmark aromatics of blackcurrant, passionfruit and the distinctive salt-driven palate the Dillons Point subregion is renown for. Limited - Single Vineyard – Regeneratively Farmed - Vegan – AMW Certified.
Named ‘Abstract’ for the fact it’s an alternative take on classic Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc walks a tightrope between blackcurrant aromatics and enchanting savoury complexity from wild and full-solids fermentation plus over a year of time on lees in French oak puncheons. It’s complex, textural and age-worthy…in the emerging and exciting category of collectable Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Limited - Dry-Farmed – Regeneratively Farmed – Unfiltered – AMW Certified.
The Reed Vineyard is increasingly being noted for its proclivity for world-class cool climate Chardonnay. This vintage has delivered all the power and intensity the most avid Chardonnay fans crave while upholding the vivid acidity that ensures elegance and balance endures. Limited - Single Vineyard – Unfined – Unfiltered – Vegan - AMW Certified.
A small one hectare parcel in the very small yielding 2021 vintage signifies an extremely limited release of the Escaroth Vineyard Chardonnay. Rich stonefruit, grapefruit and a savoury muskiness complement a balanced lick of new French puncheon oak. Very Limited – Single Vineyard – Dry Farmed – Unfined – Unfiltered – Vegan - AMW Certified.
This release heralds a new single vineyard designation for the Blank Canvas Gruner Veltliner, shifting away from the central Wairau Valley to the coastal expression of the McKee Vineyard in the Blind River subregion. Stylistically this vintage is similar to previous with the same mandarin, tangelo orange citrus notes alongside subtle white pepper. A satisfying and textural full-body on the palate is aided by fermentation and maturation in seasoned puncheons giving weight and richness alongside the lifted aromatics of Gruner in Marlborough. Limited – Single Vineyard – Vegetarian – AMW Certified.
2022 Blank Canvas Anandale Farm Riesling | Blind River | Marlborough – AMW Certified RRP $32.99
After a three-year hiatus, our popular Kabinett-inspired Riesling from the Anandale Farm vineyard in Blind River is back. Off-dry in nature, a burst of sweetness and yellow citrus characters are met with enlivening, fresh acidity that create a symphony of flavour and texture on the palate. Naturally low in alcohol at just 9.5% abv, this is a bona fide aperitivo choice or perfect match with spice-influenced cuisine. Very Limited – Single Vineyard – Vegan – AMW Certified.
All wines available via Blank Canvas online cellar door from 1st September 2022.
]]>Due to vintage happening in New Zealand, Sophie could not travel to London for the ceremony in person but was able to accept the award via video link from her home in Marlborough. Sophie said: ‘I am overwhelmed, and so grateful to receive the Quinta do Noval Award. This was a daunting paper to research and write but the significant public interest element and importance of this topic to the industry was undeniable.
I am truly honoured to have my RP recognised in this way.. My thanks to Christian Seely and AXA Millesimes for encouraging excellence in wine research, and I am so excited to experience the magnificent Quinta do Noval in person as part of my prize.’
Christian Seely commented afterwards: "This was an excellent piece of research. At first sight, the very rigorous scientific approach seemed somewhat alarming, but it turned out to be compulsive reading, fascinating, with some original insights and thought-provoking ideas. Extremely well researched and rigorously argued, I thought it was outstandingly good, and for me was without question the best of the papers submitted."
Sophie wins a cheque for £1000, a framed print of Quinta do Noval, a trip to the iconic property in the Douro, and a case of wines and ports – including Noval’s fabled Nacional Vintage.
The RP is the final stage of the Master of Wine exam. It is an individual project on a topic chosen by the MW student, resulting in work between 6,000 and 10,000 words. Sophie's winning RP, What is the relationship between the use of Sulphur Dioxide and Biogenic Amine levels in wine? is available to download from the IMW website.
]]>There are some exceptional expressions of Chardonnay being produced in this country right now, and with 24 on James Suckling's list in 2021, it's undeniable the world's critics and enthusiasts are really beginning to sit up and take notice. Let's not forget that Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay also took out the top wine for the overall Top Wines of 2021 - an incredible feat.
This recognition fortifies our quest to make the best Chardonnay from exceptional single vineyard sites in Marlborough.
James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of New Zealand List 2021 features:
2020 Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay
'Aromas of dried mango, lime curd, coriander, honeysuckle and salted butter with some meaty and smoky undertones. Full-bodied with tangy acidity. Concentrated and rich, yet well structured, with a bright backbone of acidity and phenolic texture. 93 Points'
2019 Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Chardonnay
'Very impressive complexity and purity here with struck-match, grapefruit and lemon-peel aromas, as well as peach and some gently creamy notes. The palate has vibrant peach and lemon-curd flavors and grilled hazelnut warming the finish. 93 Points'
Selected by newly appointed New Zealand wine editor Jane Skilton MW, the wines were awarded 95 points and 93 points respectively, with some esteemed company.
Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
'Saturated with dense ripe fruit. A little note of reduction, some savoury oak spice and flavours of crushed rosemary and red plum give a compelling multi-layered character. A silken texture with a ripe, powdery tannic grip. 95 points
Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
'Lovely pure dark plum and Staccato cherry aromas give freshness - plus there's a hint of new leather, too. Strongly textural; fruit is ripe and full of flavour, a hint of savoury whole cluster then graphite tannins kick in. 93 points
You can view the full list of wines via the digital magazine here.
]]>In his latest report featured on BusinessDesk, Bob Campbell selects his top ten New Zealand Syrah's for sipping and cellaring. Our Syrah comes in the Top Five, among four heavy-weight names carrying big ticket price tags. We are extremely proud of our quality to value ratio and represent the best value in this line up - the most expensive wine is three times the price of our Syrah.
Bob writes:
"2018 Blank Canvas Element Syrah, Hawke’s Bay, $55 - From the smallest vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels sub-region. Co-fermented with 7% gruner veltliner skins for colour stability, complexity of tannin and a spicy, aromatic lift. The wine certainly has a great depth of colour and rich, ripe flavours including Black Doris plum, liquorice, cocoa powder, mocha and a suggestion of violet. Generously proportioned wine with an appealingly supple texture."
Previously Bob has awarded this vintage an outstanding 96 points which places it in the top three Syrah in New Zealand for this vintage.
]]>Matt describes that 2019 on paper looked like an absolute dream vintage for Pinot Noir, but as many found out it was one where you could be very much caught off-guard. The very low-yielding nature of the vintage was a result of a combination of one of the driest growing seasons on record in Marlborough but also inclement weather during flowering and sizing. This meant small bunches and small berries with thick skins at harvest time.
Because of this it had the potential to produce extracted, very dark Pinot Noir and there are a number of examples of these throughout the region from this vintage. It was the complete antithesis of the very light and delicate 2018 vintage. It was a perfect year for the use of whole-bunch fermentation because of the less-extractive nature of this technique, also lending lifted aromatics to ensure the fragrance and pinosity remains.
We feel that we’ve remained true to our philosophy of producing Pinot Noirs that smell and taste like Pinot Noir. They’re perfumed, fragrant and savoury but structured and textural from the fact we do not shy away from fruit and stem tannin. However the age old idiom that it’s all about balance remains true. These wines did not need long periods on skins, spending about 14-15 days total before being drained and pressed to barrel.
It is our third vintage release of the Escaroth Vineyard - an exceptional north facing hillside vineyard in the Southern Valley's Taylor Pass. Being dry farmed, the yields in 2019 were eye-wateringly low (3.2 t/ha), and we were facing very concentrated small berries and thick skins.
Initially the whole bunch shut down the wine, as high whole-bunch ferments tend to do, and is an important reason why we hold the wine for a year in bottle prior to release. Now it’s open and replete with violets, red cherry and pomegranate alongside graphite, savoury bacon and forest floor. The tannins are substantial but at the same time elegant and seamless.
Cameron Douglas MS writes of the 2019 Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Pinot Noir:
"A perfumed, complex bouquet with aromas of roses and ripe cherry, a soft raw sugar and baking spices scent with a core of silty soil minerality. Equally complex with a firm yet finely textured mouthfeel, harmonious synergies between fruit, minerality, tannins and acidity. With each taste the complexity expands with flavours of cherry and plum, forest berries and wild flowers. A Grand Cru level wine with a delicious, layered, perfumed, youthful and long.
Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030+." 97 Points - Outstanding
We are thrilled to be introducing our brand-new single vineyard expression from the Settlement Vineyard to complement and contrast with our Escaroth Vineyard Pinot Noir. While these vineyards are both in the Southern Valleys, they exhibit very different personalities which we think that Pinot Noir fans will find real joy in.
The Settlement Vineyard, in the Omaka valley, has immense pedigree and we think has all the right ingredients to aid us in our quest to reify Marlborough’s world-class Pinot Noir producing capability. The vineyard is organically farmed (BioGro certified) and was established in 2009. Soils are low-vigour clay with high density planting (3788 plants / ha).
Again the 2019 conditions have bequeathed real intensity and structure due to the small berries and thick skins (100% clone 777). Matt says, "this Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir is a classic representation of Pinot Noir from the Omaka. It has real density and power. In my mind the Omaka is the most tannic subregion in Marlborough, the wine just swallows the 50% whole bunch. It is incredibly structured and is built to age."
Cameron Douglas MS writes of the 2019 Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir:
"A powerful and distinctive bouquet with a core complexity built around ripe red berry fruit, a natural savoury dried herb complexity, a gentle sweetness of oak and baking spice scents to match, there’s density and richness alongside power and finesse. A powerful youthful energy as the wine touches the palate transitioning smoothly through berry flavours, the savoury seam and textures from tannins and acidity. Delicious, youthful and full of pinosity. A lovely expression, complex and lengthy. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030+." 96 Points - Outstanding
A limited allocation of both wines will be available on our website on Monday 1st November, while our distribution partners internationally have these wines on the water or are shortly to be on their way.
]]>At Blank Canvas we are excited to welcome two new distribution partnerships, bringing our total number of markets representing our range of single vineyard, small batch wines to twenty.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, we are extremely proud to join the portfolio of New World Wineries, a specialist importer of fine wines from Australia and New Zealand. New World Wineries’ owner John Schell shares a similar journey to Sophie, being a lawyer by training but falling in love with the world of wine, subsequently changing career path to nurture that passion. Our philosophy of producing distinctive fine wines from high quality single vineyards aligns with the ethos of New World Wineries and we look forward to working with John to build our presence in the restaurants, wine bars and homes of wine enthusiasts in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
Meanwhile our first shipment of wines has recently landed in Taiwan, where our new distribution partner WINE on Table will represent our Blank Canvas wines in this exciting emerging wine market. WINE on Table feature an advisory team of top sommeliers, wine communicators and chefs who focus on the art of wine and food pairing. They bring a refreshing and contemporary approach to wine with an innovative wine subscription service for consumers as well as bringing expertise and high-level engagement with on-premise clients. Blank Canvas is the only New Zealand producer in the WINE on Table portfolio.
Blank Canvas co-owner Sophie Parker-Thomson MW states, “we never go into distribution arrangements lightly and take great care to ensure our own philosophies and values align with our distribution partners. This is certainly the case with our new distributors New World Wineries in the Netherlands and Belgium, and WINE on Table in Taiwan, and we are thrilled to be working with them both enabling more wine enthusiasts around the world to get our Blank Canvas wines in their glasses and cellars.”
For more information and trade enquiries please contact:
Netherlands | Belgium
New World Wineries | Maastricht | Netherlands
John Schell - www.newworldwineries.com
Taiwan
WINE on Table | Taipei | Taiwan
Teresa Hou - www.wineontable.com.tw
It's therefore a trifecta of topmost scores for our last three vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, affirming this wine's place as the most consistently awarded New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Of the 2021 vintage, Bob Campbell MW writes:
"Concentrated, flavoursome sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, guava, feijoa and grapefruit characters supported by fruity acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. A classy wine from a top vintage and low-yielding vines." 95 Points.
You'll notice we now proudly display the name of each single vineyard on the front label panel of our Blank Canvas wines, recognizing the partnership we have with each and every one of our Blank Canvas growers. The Holdaway Vineyard has been the exclusive home to our Blank Canvas Sauvignon Blanc since our first Sauvignon Blanc vintage in 2016. We are assured that 2021 promises to be the very best yet, and it's flying out the door. 🌟
Make sure you also look out for the Appellation Marlborough Wine logo on our Sauvignon Blanc bottles. It is a guarantee the wine you're about to consume is uncompromisingly Marlborough from grape to glass.
2019 Blank Canvas Escaroth Chardonnay
"The Best New Zealand Wines to Try Now"
"New Zealand’s newest Master of Wine, ex-solicitor Sophie Parker-Thomson, has been making small-batch wines from Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough with her husband Matt since 2013, but this is her first vintage of this single-vineyard chardonnay. Putting paid to the outdated notion that female winemakers make “feminine” wine styles, Escaroth is declamatory and bold with burnished, golden fruit and buttered brioche held aloft by a fine net of acidity." Sarah Heller MW, HK Tatler Magazine, June 2021
]]>This reiterates her enthusiasm for this wine as she published another review late last year:
"The finest French oak-aged Kiwi Chardonnay I have tasted here all year. Gorgeous French oak-aged Kiwi, with all the honey-flecked, toasted hazelnut oomph of the Cote d'Or." Jane MacQuitty, The Times (UK), October 2020
The 2019 is now sold out through our cellar door but the 2020 has just been released, with some excellent reviews starting to flow in for this vintage.
Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
95 Points - Outstanding "What an excellent example with immediately captivating aromas of stone fruits and sweet citrus, a leesy savoury spice and stony flinty complexity. The oak adds layers of spice and some wood smoke. The bouquet is complex, layered and enticing. On the palate - plenty of weight and richness, but not so much as to detract from the essence of what Chardonnay is all about - in this case - power, finesse, layers of texture and a core of fruit reflecting fresh and baked stone fruits, grapefruit, baked apple and baking spices of French oak. Excellent texture and length, well made and ready to drink from 2022 through 2028." Cameron Douglas MS, July 2021
5 STARS – TREAT YOURSELF “This notably classy, single-vineyard wine was hand-harvested in the Waihopai Valley, fermented and matured in French oak puncheons (partly new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richly fragrant, it is mouthfilling, complex and generous, with deep peach and grapefruit flavours, finely integrated oak, and a tightly structured, long, seamless finish. Best drinking 2023+.” Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyers Guide 2021, July 2021.
]]>Blank Canvas performed exceptionally well, coming in at #23, up twenty-one places from an overall ranking of #44 in 2020. This position catapults Blank Canvas to the third highest ranked winery in Marlborough, just behind Riesling-focused Framingham and sparkling specialist No. 1 Estate.
We are immensely proud of this recognition of our winery with terrific reviews and scores across our entire range of Blank Canvas wines received over the past 12 months. The list is based on top-scoring wines amassed from recent tastings by the Real Review team (including Master of Wine Bob Campbell and Huon Hooke) and objectively sorted by an algorithm.
]]>The wines both received 96-point scores with the Element Syrah receiving double 96 from Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas and Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Stylistically similar to our 2017 vintage but with a richer, denser framework we are picturing hearty casseroles and the roaring fires as a faultless match this winter. Master of Wine Richard Hemming who tasted this wine blind in a NZ Syrah line up rated it in the top 10 wines tasted sitting among many $100+/bottle heavyweights. His thoughts: "Tasted blind. Potent nose that combines rich red fruit with a reductive flinty note plus loads of peppery fragrance. Powerful on the palate, both in structure and fruit, although there is no excess in evidence, and the finish is refreshing. Stylish and dense, with more complexity surely in store. Drink 2021 - 2028. 17+ POINTS."
The 2018 Escaroth Pinot Noir also was received well by the critics with 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS and 94 points from Bob Campbell MW. We are extremely confident about this wine's ethereal perfume capturing the hearts and minds of real Pinot fans, along with a bold textural structure that together with its fragrance makes us draw parallels with the magic of Nebbiolo. These scores continue to build the Escaroth Vineyard's pedigree with our debut 2017 release scoring 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS, 95 points from Bob Campbell MW, and 92 points from Nick Stock at JamesSuckling.com.
The full reviews for both wines are below:
96 Points - Outstanding "This is a single vineyard expression of Syrah, 60% whole cluster and co-fermented with a small portion of Gruner Veltliner skins. Matured for 14 months in new and seasoned French oak.
The resulting wine showcases aromas of spices and black fruits, crushed black currant berries and raspberry, violets, clove and toasty barrel scents. A complex and intriguing bouquet, quite powerful and very youthful. On the palate - delicious! Flavours of black fruits and currants, wild berries and spices from barrel and fruit, licorice and clove, some meat moments, pepper and iron-like stony soil qualities. Complex, lengthy and still rather youthful. Decant for service if you must, but best left till late 2022 then enjoy through 2030+." Cameron Douglas MS
96 Points - 'From the smallest vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels subregion. Co-fermented with 7% grüner veltliner skins for colour stability, complexity of tannin and a spicy, aromatic lift. The wine certainly has a great depth of colour with rich, ripe flavours including Black Doris plum, liquorice, cocoa powder, mocha and a suggestion of violet. A generously proportioned wine with an appealingly supple texture. Should age well' Drink 2021 - 2030 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 4/3/2021
17+ Points - "Tasted blind. Potent nose that combines rich red fruit with a reductive flinty note plus loads of peppery fragrance. Powerful on the palate, both in structure and fruit, although there is no excess in evidence, and the finish is refreshing. Stylish and dense, with more complexity surely in store." Drink 2021 - 2028 - Richard Hemming MW for JancisRobinson.com Date tasted 2019-12-19
96 Points - Outstanding "A single vineyard expression presenting a complex, pure, intriguing and perfumed bouquet. Light red berry fruits, red apple skin and scents of place with aromas of fine silty clay and sand minerals then complexity from judicious use of oak with light brown kitchen spices followed by aromas of mild toasty barrel and savoury dried herb layer. Equally complex on the palate, tense and youthful with firm textures and velvet mouthfeel from tannins and acidity. Savoury with a core of fruit and flavours that reflect the bouquet. A fine wine with power and finesse, complexity and length. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030." Cameron Douglas MS, 29/04/21
94 Points - 'From the Escaroth vineyard just south of Blenheim. Light in colour but not lacking in charm or power. An elegant wine with cherry, spice, dried herb, bramble and nutty oak flavours. Accessible now but should develop well with bottle age.' Drink 2021 - 2027 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 21/4/2021
]]>Our 2017 reds have completely sold out, but the timing is perfect....
In just over two weeks, on Saturday 1st May, two of our hotly anticipated new Blank Canvas wines will be released to the world.
The pre-release orders have been extremely popular, especially with double 96-point scores from both Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas and Master of Wine Bob Campbell for our 2018 Blank Canvas Element Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels. Stylistically similar to our 2017 vintage but with a richer, denser framework we are picturing hearty casseroles and the roaring fires as a faultless match this winter.
The Escaroth Pinot Noir also was received well by the critics with 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS and 94 points from Bob Campbell MW. We are extremely confident about this wine's ethereal perfume capturing the hearts and minds of real Pinot fans, along with a bold textural structure that together with its fragrance makes us draw parallels with the magic of Nebbiolo. These scores continue to build the Escaroth Vineyard's pedigree with our debut 2017 release scoring 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS, 95 points from Bob Campbell MW, and 92 points from Nick Stock at JamesSuckling.com.
While these two wines will go live on our site on the 1st May, you can secure an allocation dropping us an email with your allocation request.
2018 Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Pinot Noir | Taylor Pass | Marlborough - $49.00/750 mL | $294.00/6 bottle case
2018 Blank Canvas 'Element' Syrah | Gimblett Gravels | Hawkes Bay - $55.00/750 mL | $330.00/6 bottle case
2018 Blank Canvas 'Element' Syrah | Gimblett Gravels | Hawkes Bay
96 Points - Outstanding "This is a single vineyard expression of Syrah, 60% whole cluster and co-fermented with a small portion of Gruner Veltliner skins. Matured for 14 months in new and seasoned French oak.
The resulting wine showcases aromas of spices and black fruits, crushed black currant berries and raspberry, violets, clove and toasty barrel scents. A complex and intriguing bouquet, quite powerful and very youthful. On the palate - delicious! Flavours of black fruits and currants, wild berries and spices from barrel and fruit, licorice and clove, some meat moments, pepper and iron-like stony soil qualities. Complex, lengthy and still rather youthful. Decant for service if you must, but best left till late 2022 then enjoy through 2030+." Cameron Douglas MS
96 Points - 'From the smallest vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels subregion. Co-fermented with 7% grüner veltliner skins for colour stability, complexity of tannin and a spicy, aromatic lift. The wine certainly has a great depth of colour with rich, ripe flavours including Black Doris plum, liquorice, cocoa powder, mocha and a suggestion of violet. A generously proportioned wine with an appealingly supple texture. Should age well' Drink 2021 - 2030 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 4/3/2021
17+ Points - "Tasted blind. Potent nose that combines rich red fruit with a reductive flinty note plus loads of peppery fragrance. Powerful on the palate, both in structure and fruit, although there is no excess in evidence, and the finish is refreshing. Stylish and dense, with more complexity surely in store." Drink 2021 - 2028 - Richard Hemming MW for JancisRobinson.com Date tasted 2019-12-19
2018 Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Pinot Noir | Taylor Pass | Marlborough
96 Points - Outstanding "A single vineyard expression presenting a complex, pure, intriguing and perfumed bouquet. Light red berry fruits, red apple skin and scents of place with aromas of fine silty clay and sand minerals then complexity from judicious use of oak with light brown kitchen spices followed by aromas of mild toasty barrel and savoury dried herb layer. Equally complex on the palate, tense and youthful with firm textures and velvet mouthfeel from tannins and acidity. Savoury with a core of fruit and flavours that reflect the bouquet. A fine wine with power and finesse, complexity and length. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030." Cameron Douglas MS, 29/04/21
94 Points - 'From the Escaroth vineyard just south of Blenheim. Light in colour but not lacking in charm or power. An elegant wine with cherry, spice, dried herb, bramble and nutty oak flavours. Accessible now but should develop well with bottle age.' Drink 2021 - 2027 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 21/4/2021
Thanks to Richard Brim for the great, contemplative photograph of us discussing the finer points of Pinot Noir.
]]>Many consider the Master of Wine (MW) title as the most prestigious wine certification one can attain, with the blind tasting examinations notoriously averaging a 10% pass rate.
Sophie explains, “studying for the MW entails the highest highs and the lowest lows; it really is a journey in self-understanding, humility and knowing how far you can push yourself.”
In addition to the 36-wine blind tasting examinations, theoretical knowledge is examined across viticulture, winemaking, the business of wine and contemporary issues impacting the wine industry. Once successful in the theory and practical exams candidates must research and write a 10,000-word paper on a topic of choice that will ultimately benefit the industry. Sophie chose her research topic, “What is the Relationship Between the Use of Sulphur Dioxide and Biogenic Amine Levels in Wine?”, because of the significant public health interest surrounding the issue of wine intolerance.
Fellow Master of Wine, Bob Campbell commented:
“I couldn’t be more delighted when I heard that Sophie had passed her Master of Wine exams. It is hard to imagine anyone more deserving. She lives, eats and breathes wine and has practical experience from vineyard to the marketplace and all stages between. Sophie also has a great palate and I hope that she will be able to spare a little time from her busy schedule to do a bit of wine show judging.”
Sophie was feeling extremely relieved and rather overwhelmed with the news she had finally achieved the Master of Wine title. She stated she "could not have done it without my amazing husband, walking wine encyclopedia and blind tasting buddy Matt, who has shared every single high and low with me and who has been absolutely instrumental in supporting this outcome, ever since we first started talking about the MW ten years ago."
Sophie joins 149 women MWs globally with the total number of MWs in the world now 418 in 32 countries.
The Institute of Masters of Wine press release can be read in full here.
Press Coverage:
The Real Review: New Kiwi MW
Stuff 'Kiwi named among ten new wine masters'
Mike Hosking Breakfast
CameronDouglas.com 'Ten new Masters of Wine including New Zealand's Sophie Parker-Thomson'
WineBlast Podcast with Peter Richards MW & Susie Barrie MW 'The Undeserved Hangover'
BusinessDesk: 'Meet NZ's new Master of Wine, Sophie Parker-Thomson'
Focusing on New Zealand white wines, the report entitled "New Zealand Whites: the State of Play", delivered a comprehensive dissection of 150+ wines from throughout New Zealand.
Blank Canvas performed extremely well, with Rebecca noting it was "... one of the most exciting labels to come out of Marlborough in the past decade." Particular praise went to the Blank Canvas 'Reed' Chardonnay 2019 with 95 points - the second highest score in the report (just behind flagship wines Kumeu River Mate's Chardonnay 2019 (96 points) and Villa Maria Kelten Chardonnay 2019 (96 points), both $80+ NZD).
Close behind the Reed was the Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Chardonnay 2019 (94 points) while the top-equal scoring Sauvignon Blanc in the report went to our Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (94 points), Rebecca concluding it was "...Marlborough Sauvignon that doffs its cap to good white Bordeaux - and succeeds."
Rebecca also acknowledged our "without recipes" approach, stating "this is natural winemaking without the faults: cloudy juice, wild fermentation, no filtration, etc."
Blank Canvas 'Reed' Chardonnay 2019 - 95 POINTS
"A finely poised yet powerful Chardonnay that has just the right amount of reductive flint character, adding a layer of complexity to this savory, stylish wine. Wild fermentation in oak puncheons followed by an extended period on lees has resulted in rounded edges while adding smoky and nutty flavors. It has lovely sinew on the long finish."
Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Chardonnay 2019 - 94 POINTS
"A suave and seamless Chardonnay that's very relaxed in its own skin. This low-yield season has provided excellent fruit concentration. The combination of barrels and puncheons infuses a nutty, savory element and there's also an appetizing waft of smoky bacon. A fine line of lemon-peel-like acidity emerges on the mouthwatering finish. Excellent harmony and will improve with additional bottle age allowing the oak aromas to soften. This is the cuvée's inaugural vintage, and I cannot wait to see the next."
Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Sauvignon Blanc 2017 - 94 POINTS
"A dry-farmed Sauvignon that's made like a Chardonnay: hand-picked and whole-bunch-pressed, the cloudy juice sent to puncheon for fermentation. The wine rests on lees for 14 months with no bâtonnage, followed by a year in bottle before release. As a result, you can expect a richly textured expression and savory, almond and lanolin-like characters alongside black currant, lemon and cornichon flavors. Intriguing and drinking beautifully now. This is a Marlborough Sauvignon that doffs its cap to good white Bordeaux – and succeeds."
Blank Canvas 'Meta' Riesling 2018 - 93 POINTS
"This is a sweet Riesling (167g/L residual sugar) but it has plenty of mouthwatering acidity providing refreshment. Marmalade, orange and peach flavors meet sweet spice flavors, which linger on the lengthy finish. 9.5% alcohol."
Blank Canvas Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - 92 POINTS
"This is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with the volume turned down – and that's a refreshing change. While it has a plump core of dense fruit, it is tied together with a fine string of acidity, providing a precise and drawn-out finish. Floral and subtle passion fruit characters combine with a salty note on the medium-length finish."
2020 Blank Canvas Sauvignon Blanc
'From the well-drained fertile soils of Dillons Point. Rich, concentrated sauvignon blanc with green capsicum, passionfruit, subtle box hedge flavours and a pleasing saline-mineral character. Good purity and mouth-watering, fruity acidity.' 95 POINTS
2018 Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Sauvignon Blanc
'Made with 100% wild yeast fermentation in seasoned French oak puncheons followed by maturation in oak for 15 months. The wine retains its capsicum, passionfruit varietal identity that contrasts with nutty, ginger yeast lees character and subtle oyster-shell, mineral flavour. A complex wine with a pleasing texture.' 95 POINTS
2018 Blank Canvas 'Una Volta' Pinot Noir
'Una Volta means One Off, which is self-explanatory. From a vineyard in Queensberry halfway between Wanaka and Cromwell. Creamy-textured pinot noir with ripe plum, dark berry, liquorice, anise and spicy flavours. A classic 'iron fist in a velvet glove' with seemingly good cellaring prospects.' 95 POINTS
He awarded it an 'outstanding' 95 points, commenting it was:
"Ripe, intense, richly scented, varietal and fruity bouquet with aromas of ripe dark cherries and plums. There’s a definitive dried herb, savoury complexity - classic Otago message - then aromas of smoky oak with a quiet clove baking spice suggestion. All the action for this wine is on the palate - it’s delicious with a detailed story of spices and fruits, textures and length, concentration and a sense of place. Tannins are fine and polished, oak has a nut-like quality alongside the toast-wood. The core of fruit finishes with a floral note - a flick forming part of a lengthy youthful finish. Fabulous drinking now and through 2026+. Definitely a wine of discussion."
95 Point, Outstanding.
]]>These wines both feature in Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 2021.
Blank Canvas Reed Marlborough Chardonnay (2019)
"Slightly more extroverted at this stage than its Escaroth stablemate, the classy 2019 vintage (5*) is a single-vineyard, Waihopai Valley wine, hand-picked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak puncheons (40 per cent new). Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with concentrated, citrusy, peachy flavours, finely integrated oak and impressive complexity. A powerful, distinctive wine with obvious potential, it’s best cellared to 2022+."
Blank Canvas Escaroth Marlborough Chardonnay (2019)
The very ageworthy 2019 vintage (4.5*) is a single-vineyard wine, grown at Taylors Pass, in the Southern Valleys. Hand-picked, it was fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques and puncheons (30 per cent new). Bright, light lemon/green, it has a fragrant, youthful, complex, slightly smoky bouquet. Weighty, with generous, grapefruit-like flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak, excellent complexity, balanced acidity and a tight-knit finish, it should be at its best 2022+.
]]>
The panel commented: "....fresh red berries and a hint of red (sour) cherries, dried meadow herbs, branches and smoke. Animating on the palate, with a noticable youthful acidity and lots of grip." 18 POINTS.
]]>
The Blank Canvas 'Reed' Chardonnay 2019 was rated 95 Points by Master of Wine Bob Campbell. This is the highest score for any New Zealand Chardonnay from the 2019 vintage. Featuring it as his Wine of the Week on shared review website The Real Review he had this to say of it:
"Impressive purity and power with peach, nectarine fruit flavours together with a subtle struck-flint mineral, reductive character and a pleasing savoury note. A taut, elegant chardonnay that’s good now but promises to get even better with bottle age."
The Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Chardonnay 2019 was rated 94 Points by Campbell:
"From a north-facing slope in the Southern Valleys Taylor Pass. Concentrated savoury chardonnay with chalky, oyster-shell, mineral, grapefruit, hazelnut, almond and baguette crust flavours. A youthful wine that promises to develop well in bottle."
Meanwhile, Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas awarded both Chardonnays 'Excellent' 94 points:
Blank Canvas 'Reed' Chardonnay 2019
"Sophisticated and complex bouquet of Chardonnay with aromas of gun-flint and oak spices, moments of lemon and grapefruit then yellow fleshed orchard fruit. The second and third sniffs reveal a mineral, stone and textured complexity. The bouquet overall is very youthful and vibrant with the messages of oak strong. On the palate - equally expressive, youthful and complex. Flavours reflect the nose with citrus then oak. Fine wood tannins with a smoky edge, medium+ acidity and palate trill. While this wine is very young it has fantastic potential that Chardonnay fans should invest in and and cellar some bottles. Best drinking from early 2022 through 2026+"
Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Chardonnay 2019
"Intense aromas of wood smoke and barrel spice then ruby grapefruit, peach and baked orchard fruits. Youthful and very inviting bouquet. On the palate - weighty, silky, warm, fleshy, spicy, smoky and dry. Fruits flavours reflect the nose with yellow fleshed stone fruits, some apple and grapefruit. Lovely wine on the palate - a Chardonnay lovers paradise. Still developing so no rush to drink till mid, even end of, 2021 and through 2025."
Both of these Chardonnays are limited in allocation, and are presently only available through our online cellar door or by contacting us directly. We will be officially launching them in New Zealand next month with our distributor, Eurovintage, with global markets landing them soon after.
]]>Richard Hemming MW, international Syrah specialist writing for JancisRobinson.com had the following to say on this current release:
"Strongly peppery on the nose – absolutely spot-on for the style. There's loads of fresh red fruit and a big smack of acidity too, keeping the palate sharp and refreshed. Lengthy and meaty, really wringing every ounce of typicality from the variety. So naturally generous! Silky smooth, and light in body too, but with no shortage of flavour. Finishes with a touch of herby stemmy flavour." 17.5 POINTS.
Having just put the 2019 to bottle last week, and tasting the 2020 from barrel this week, we are confident that the pedigree of this wine will continue with some very exciting wines to come.
A limited amount of this wine is still available online or at select retailers and restaurants throughout New Zealand. Get in touch with us or our domestic and global distribution partners for information on availability and stockists.
Vinously yours,
Matt & Sophie
]]>On his Insta, Joe stated we were a "...New Zealand winery to watch", and the four wines reviewed in the Wine Advocate during the extensive New Zealand coverage all came away from the tasting table with 90+ points.
Here are the full reviews:
92 POINTS: 2017 Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Sauvignon Blanc - Dillons Point, Marlborough
"Sourced from the coastal area known as Dillons Point, the 2017 Abstract Sauvignon Blanc was barrel fermented and aged 15 months in older puncheons. It's subtly fumé in character, with hints of smoke and struck flint on the nose accenting fig, nectarine and passion fruit. Medium-bodied and silky in character from the long aging on the lees, it finishes long, with plenty of texture."
91 POINTS: 2018 Blank Canvas 'Reed' Chardonnay - Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
"There are just two 500-liter puncheons of the 2018 Reed Chardonnay, one new and one secondfill, blended and bottled after barrel fermentation and 12 months' aging. All Clone 95, it's a bit funky at first, with notes of scorched toast and struck match, but it settles down to deliver notes of white peach, melon and citrus on the medium-bodied palate. Wild-fermented and unfiltered, it's a fine representation of Marlborough Chardonnay."
NB: the 2018 has sold out, but we've just released the 2019 Reed Chardonnay here.
90 POINTS: 2017 Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Pinot Noir - Taylor Pass, Marlborough"Drawn from a dry-farmed vineyard in the Southern Valleys planted to Clones 115 and 777, the 2017 Escaroth Pinot Noir is the debut vintage. Made with 50% whole clusters and 35% new French oak, this medium-ruby wine boasts faint hints of roses and tomato leaves accenting more robust notes of cherry and pomegranate. It's medium-bodied and silky in texture, with a strong, wiry
structure and lingering dusty tannins on the finish. It should be reasonably long-lived for a Marlborough Pinot Noir, evolving well over the next decade.
92 POINTS: 2017 Blank Canvas 'Element' Syrah Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
"Interestingly, the 2017 Element Syrah includes 60% whole bunches and was co-fermented with a small proportion of Grüner Veltliner skins, both of which serve to emphasize the wine's lifted, peppery aromatics. The oak influence is modest, allowing those pepper notes to shine, accenting dark olive and black cherry fruit. At under 13% alcohol, it's a lithe, silky wine, medium-bodied but amply concentrated, with a lingering finish. Drink it anytime over the next decade."