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Description
The wines of Yoshiaki Sato and his wife Kyoko have become cult classics of Central Otago in just a few short vintages.
This pack gives you a look at the three of the highest rated reds from this fantastic artisan producer.
- 2022 Sato La Ferme de Sato Sur les Nuages Pinot Noir
- 2022 Le Ferme de Sato Alyssum Gamay
- 2022 La Ferme de Sato Sous Bois Cabernet Franc
2022 Sato La Ferme de Sato Sur les Nuages Pinot Noir
Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato have built something special in Central Otago, and their 2022 La Ferme de Sato Sur les Nuages Pinot Noir shows why they’re one of the region’s most exciting producers. Leaving behind corporate careers in Tokyo and London, the Satos have dedicated themselves to organic, biodynamic winemaking with a hands-off approach that puts the vineyard front and centre.
Crafted from their chemical-free Mount Pisa vineyard, this Pinot Noir is all about purity and balance. Natural fermentation, no additives, and minimal sulphur ensure the wine stays true to its origins.
On the nose, you’ll find dried strawberry, wild mushroom, and a touch of spice, with hints of earth and tar adding intrigue. The palate is elegant and layered, with deep red cherry and plum flavours carried by fine tannins and juicy acidity. A dusty texture and long, graceful finish round out the experience.
It's a powerhouse Central Otago Pinot that can go toe-to-toe with any of the biggest names in the region.
97 points & No.11 in the Suckling Top 100 Wines of NZ for 2024
"The aromas and flavors are marked with dried-strawberry, nutmeg, bark and mushroom character. Tar too. This is structured, showing fine tannins that give a beautiful mouthfeel and tension. Medium-bodied with a dusty texture in the finish and a long and thoughtful ending. Rather ethereal and energetic. Drink now or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling
2022 Le Ferme de Sato Alyssum Gamay
The Sato La Ferme wines are those organically grown by the Satos on their own estate.
In next to no time, this has become one of the greatest Gamays in New Zealand. The alluvial soils of Yoshiaki & Kyoko's vineyard bring incredible structure to this wine. It has tannin, it has depth, it could go toe-to-toe with any Gamay grown anywhere on Earth.
Organic farming, gentle winemaking, with only a couple of barrels made you'll have to be quick if you want this rare bird as part of your collection.
97 points
"A serious depth of fruit here with dried cherries and strawberries as well as candied lemons and ginger. Dried flowers too. Just a touch of smoke and flint. The medium-bodied palate has a lovely center and brightness in the finish. Goes on for minutes. A real handmade-wine feeling. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling
2022 La Ferme de Sato Sous Bois Cabernet Franc
"Sous Bois" translates to "Forest Undergrowth", which is reminiscent of the earthy, savoury characters that present in Cabernet Franc grown on the Sato home vineyard.
It's a rarity to see this variety in Central Otago - a region dominated by Pinot Noir - but on the North-Northeast facing slope of Block Four of Kyoko and Yoshi Sato's vineyard, it gets to perfect ripeness.
As with all Sato wines, there's an elegance and freshness to this wine that harks back to something old world. It's very, very good.
96 points
"Subtle and focused with precise blackberry, walnut, bark and mushroom character on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, it’s linear and lightly chewy, giving this length and tension. So fascinating to taste and think about. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling
