Hans Herzog Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Grande Duchesse 2016

Sauvignon Blanc 'Grande Duchesse' 2009 - Library Wine

Regular price $254.00 Sale

Aged Elegance: The Pinnacle of Sauvignon Blanc

Discover the rare brilliance of an age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc—a wine that defies conventions and rivals the complexity of a white Grand Cru Bordeaux. While many Sauvignon Blancs are crafted for early enjoyment, truly great examples, like this 2009 Grande Duchesse, are built to age gracefully. Exceptional terroir, the lowest yields, and meticulous winemaking have endowed this wine with unparalleled structure and depth, allowing it to evolve into a masterpiece over time.

The result is a rich, decadent expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with vibrant layers of complexity, a luxurious mouthfeel, and a finish that lingers endlessly. Examples like Château Haut-Brion Blanc or Domaine de Chevalier demonstrate the aging potential of great white Bordeaux, and our Grande Duchesse proudly stands in their company.

A wine with a stunningly long life span, this 2009 vintage offers a once-in-a-lifetime drinking experience—a heart-stopping gem for the true connoisseur. Add it to your collection or savor it now; this is a bucket-list bottle that embodies uncompromising perfection.

Vintage 2009+

The grapes hail from the stony ridge that crosses some of our Sauvignon Blanc rows. Those few vines yield little but have the goodness of the amazing terroir. Separately hand-picked at a tiny yield and super concentration for a true Grand Cru quality. 

Hans' Winemaking Comments+

This special Sauvignon Blanc is a homage to the finest white Bordeaux.  Barrel fermented with wild yeasts in 100% new French oak before undergoing malolactic fermentation and matured for 12 months in the same barrel before bottling.

Tasting Notes+

Produced in very limited quantities, this is an exuberant white with aromas of creamy white fruits, mango and vanilla spice on the rich, full bodied palate.  A backbone of zesty acidity balances the wine and adds finesse. Powerful yet delicate with a lingering finish.

Technical Data+

Varieties

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Rootstock

RG, 101-14

Vine Planted

1996 (grafted 2004)

Soil

Shallow (<45 cm) stony soil, well drained, developed from stony alluvium. Not one row shows the same soil type

Planting Density

5,500 vines/ha

Yield

<2t/ha

Alcohol

14%

Residual Sugar

<1g/L

Ageing Potential

15 years

Food Matching Suggestions+

An excellent match with antipasti, duck liver paté or rich seafood dishes.