Clos Henri is based in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. The company uses natural methods from the vineyard to the winery, practices dry farming and has been fully certified organic by the harvest of 2013.

Winemaker Damian Yvon crafts exceptional wines.

Damian stopped by The Lodge Bar last week with his colleagues from Maison Vauron showing me the wines below. All very very impressive. The sparkling wine is going on by the glass at Lodge Bar Commercial Bay by the end of March, 2023.

Tastings March 9th 2023

Methode Traditionnelle ‘Solange’ 2020 Blanc de Noir

Solange is the name of the Bourgeois family’s Grand mother…..there’s a mineral core to this wine with white fleshed fruits and a fine leesy core with a citrus edge. Lime and citrus, a touch of elderflower and white spice, delicious, fresh, dry and lengthy. The mousse is elegant, the acidity bold, a wine that will match oysters perfectly. Medium+ length. 94 Points

On lees – 27 months (only ½ disgorged)

Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Classic entry with a core of mineral and layers of spice and, layers of chalky mineral and seashell (100% SS – press into tank – ferments 21 D – RS 1.5 RS – stirring). “Lees ageing for fatness” says Damian. A terroir driven style. Great balance and length. 93 Points

Clos Henri ‘Otira’ Glacial Stones 2021 SV Sauvignon Blanc

A really lovely bouquet of mineral and freshness, an old world feel with a smoky stone quality and white flowers. Smells of place with a sea salt quality. Saline, dry, (85% SS, 15% in older barrel), there’s grapefruit and lemon, white stone fruits - all linear in presentation. Dry, saline, mineral. A delicious wine. Great balance and length. Even better as the wine warms. Med+ complexity. 95 Points.

Clos Henri Waimunga (Wind blown clays) 2021

(Demi-muid+) Complex, dry, layered, new, taut. A wine of texture and mouthfeel with citrus and mineral, floral and a gentle fruit spice quality. A fabulous example, very young and needs time. Excelelnt food wine, lees work excellent. 95 Points

Meet Flint (below)

Pinot Noir Estate 2019

Ripe, pure and fresh, a pure fruited bouquet with a core ripe dark cherry and black currant. Dry, taut, a lovely core of fruit. Firm fruit tannins and med+acid line. Young, fresh and vibrant. Plenty of length and velvet. Great food wine. 92 Points

Clos Henri ‘Waimunga’ Pinot Noir 2020

Complex, dry, layered, textured bouquet. Fine layers of soil and soil smoke then baking spices of barrel. Dry, excellent texture and length, Fabulous tannins and length. Lovely core of fruit. 96 Points

Clos Henri - New Release Wine Tastings