Deep Down is a boutique Marlborough producer founded by Clive Dougall and Peter Lorimer — two passionate advocates for organic viticulture, honest winemaking, and wines that genuinely reflect their place of origin. Their philosophy is simple and uncompromising: small batch, single vineyard, wild ferment wines crafted with minimal intervention and maximum transparency. Low or no additions, no shortcuts, and a deep respect for the land and the people who farm it. Deep Down is, as they put it, about trusting intuition, calling time, and taking flight.
The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a single certified organic vineyard in Marlborough — New Zealand's most celebrated wine region, situated at the northern tip of the South Island. Marlborough's long, sunny days, cool nights, and free-draining stony soils are the ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional aromatic intensity and natural freshness. Farming organically here is both a commitment and a statement of intent: the vineyard is managed with care and respect, allowing the terroir to express itself without chemical interference.
Vinification follows Deep Down's signature approach: wild fermentation with indigenous yeasts, minimal additions (sulphites, yeast nutrient, clarification enzyme, and bentonite only), and small batch production that allows for close attention at every stage. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that diverges from the category's typical tropical fruit template — more textured, more complex, and more distinctly its own.
The 2024 opens with an aromatic and distinctive nose of lemon-peel confit, orange blossom, rose petals, and flint, with a wild meadow of herbs and flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with focused acidity, generous texture, and notes of passionfruit curd, puff pastry, and lavender. A slightly oxidative, yeasty quality adds complexity and depth — this is a Sauvignon Blanc for those who want something more than the obvious.
"Aromas of lemon-peel confit, orange blossoms, rose petals and flint. The medium-bodied palate has focused acidity, generous texture and notes of passion-fruit curd, puff pastry and lavender. Wonderfully constructed with a floral edge. From organically grown grapes."
— James Suckling, 93 Points (Vintage 2024).
"A distinctive Savvy B from a small batch producer… A slightly oxidative apple cider character mingles with yeasty, nutty, hay-like aromas and a wild meadow of herbs and flowers. The palate is more muted, the focus primarily on the gently slippery texture, the gentle acidity and bruised orchard fruit and floral flavors."
— Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points. (Vintage 2024).
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Certified Organic
Vinification: Wild ferment, single vineyard, small batch
Closure: Screwcap
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Fresh oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, herb-forward salads, and light vegetable dishes. Serve well chilled.
< Show Less
