Subregion: Ben Morven | Southern Valleys
Region: Marlborough 
Vintage: 2018
Soil Type: Loess and gravels over clays 
Clone: Mass selection
Viticulture: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ)
Growers: Couper Family

Winemaker's Notes: 

We chose the name ‘Meta’ for our botrytised, late harvested Riesling, as it embodies the remarkable change of condition the grapes undergo as they are transformed by noble rot over the final weeks of Autumn. From healthy fruit into shrivelled but concentrated, intensely sweet berries; once harvested these have the potential to yield the most hedonistic, nectarous wine one can imagine. Aromas of citrus zest, orange blossom honey and marmalade are poised against a luscious and pronounced sweetness on the palate which persists thanks to a backbone of enlivening acidity.

Reviews: 

96 Points 'Full golden colour, brilliant. The bouquet is honeyed and rich, with some
marmalade and fruit compote nuances, nutty background. In the mouth, it has
intense flavour and is very frisky with elevated acidity, which undercuts the
substantial sweetness. A glorious wine of great drive and energy.' Huon Hooke, The Real Review 23/09/20

94 Points 'Excellent - and delicious! A striking bouquet; powerful, intense and fruity. Aromas of preserved lemon and baked apple then honeyed tropical fruits suggesting baked pineapple and mango. On the palate - pure, fresh and sweet, honeyed stone-fruits then non-fruits flavours of beeswax and whipped rewarewa honey, some toasty preserved lemon layers and a whisper of saltiness. The sweetness is easily contrasted by the acidity lengthening the finish and providing a crisp, precise finish. Best drinking from today and through 2026+.' Cameron Douglas MS 21/06/20 

5 Stars - 'For sheer hedonistic pleasure, the botrytised 2018 vintage (5*) is hard to beat. Hand-picked in the Wairau Valley and fermented and aged in seasoned French oak puncheons, it is pale gold, with a highly fragrant, honeyed bouquet. Showing lovely concentration and harmony, it has rich, sweet apricot and honey flavours, good acid spine, an oily texture, and delicious vibrancy, poise and depth.' Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 2020.

93 Points / 4.5 Stars -“Meta' means transformation, in this case by botrytis influence. It's a rich and flavoursome wine with peach, honey, grapefruit marmalade and musk flavours. Initial sweetness contrasts with subtle steely acidity on the lengthy finish. 5/2/2019” Bob Campbell MW, Real Reviews. 

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." Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media, November 2020. 

 View Tasting Notes - 2018