All of the wines of Clos Henri in Marlborough are certified organic with Bio-Gro New Zealand but that’s not the only reason for thinking wine lovers to consider putting them on their tasting radars. This winery is owned by a French family with a long history in the Loire Valley (10 generations, to be precise) and you can find out more about there at Domaine Famille Bourgeois.
When the family decided to put down new roots in viticulture in New Zealand, they chose Marlborough as it echoes their devotion to Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre, France – where 80% of their vineyard area is planted in this great white grape variety.
The family fell for the sunny, dry charms and cool crisp nights of Marlborough in the early 2000s when they first arrived. They have since forged a reputation for top shelf Sauvignons that show their focus on careful land stewardship. Their wines also express a variety of different soils types from stones to clay, often within a relatively short geographic distance. The following new releases prove the point.
2025 Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc RRP $39
Otira Sauvignon Blanc carries the unmistakable clarity of stony soils and Marlborough’s tropical fruit signature in this top expression of great white wine. Dry, medium bodied and intensely fresh, this wine is all about bold aromas of lime zest, white nectarine and ripe lemon, carried by lifted acidity elevating the textural vibrancy in each sip. This wine is a direct echo of the stony soils beneath the vines, showing lightness and depth at the same time. Zingy, interesting and delicious.
2025 Clos Henri Waimaunga Sauvignon Blanc RRP $39
This wine is a textural, contemplative expression of Sauvignon Blanc shaped by the windblown clay soils of the Waimaunga blocks at Clos Henri’s certified organic vineyard. Clay slows ripening and builds weight in the wine naturally, bringing depth and weight to the rounded mid palate. Soft aromas of pear and lemon‑curd lead into a creamy textured Marlborough wine with notes of citrus oil and a hint of spice. This wine has confident richness and depth – showing what great Sauvignon Blanc is all about.
2025 Clos Henri Waimaunga Pinot Noir RRP $50
Waimaunga Pinot Noir continues the clay‑driven theme, delivering a Pinot Noir of excellent concentration and aromatic warmth. The heavier soils on which the Pinot Noir grapes in this wine were grown encourage smaller berries and thicker skins, which translate into depth and structure in the glass. Red and dark cherry aromas weave through complex secondary notes of cedar, sandalwood and a hint of caramel. Fine tannins frame the wine, which has a long finish and quiet power.
2023 Clos Henri Solange Méthode Traditionelle Blanc de Noirs RRP $55
This rare expression of Marlborough ‘Blanc de Noirs’ méthode traditionelle is named in honour of Solange, the wife of Henri Bourgeois and is made with Pinot Noir grapes grown on Broadbridge and Wither clay soils, situated near to the estate's chapel. Bold, complex, and dry, this wine is aged on lees for 10 months in a combination of stainless steel and old oak, both bringing freshness and a full bodied rich savoury style. This was followed by a second fermentation in bottle and 18 months of ageing - on lees. It’s made from gently whole‑bunch pressed grapes, which minimises colour extraction and retains a pale, fine hue with a low dosage (6 grams per litre means this wine is dry). The linear freshness brings balance to this wine’s characterful extended lees ageing process – creamy aromas are underpinned by savoury notes and aromas of red‑apple, brioche and light strawberry. A great Marlborough méthode and offers outstanding quality, style and value.
