2020 Whitehaven ‘Samantha’ Cuvée – Delicate bubbles, biscuit, and citrus blossom from Marlborough’s finest Méthode Traditionnelle

Méthode Traditionnelle refers to the classic bottle fermentation process—the same labor-intensive technique that gives Champagne its unmistakable depth and complexity. With the “Samantha” Cuvée, Whitehaven from Marlborough, New Zealand, is releasing its second sparkling wine that embodies this artisanal heritage at the highest level. It is dedicated to Samantha White, the daughter of founder Greg White, who today helps shape and carry on the legacy of Whitehaven Wines. At the heart of this second release: 37 months of yeast aging in the bottle—a maturation period that is considered a mark of quality even among many renowned Champagne houses and that imparts to the wine those inviting biscuit and yeast autolysis notes that make a great sparkling wine unmistakable.

The journey of the ‘Samantha’ Cuvée 2020 begins with the harvest: On March 2, 2020, the Chardonnay from Paul’s Road in Rapaura was hand-harvested, followed two days later by the Pinot Noir from the Little Alfred Vineyard in the Omaka Valley—both at a deliberately low Brix level to ensure maximum freshness and lively acidity in the base wine. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the musts fermented with neutral yeast into structured base wines, which were then aged on the lees for six months. Malolactic fermentation ensured microbial stability and a hint of softer texture. For the cuvée, Chardonnay (69%) and Pinot Noir (31%) were blended with 5% reserve wine from the 2018 vintage—this reserve lends the blend additional complexity and depth. The tirage took place on February 12, 2021: The addition of sugar and yeast triggered a second fermentation inside the sealed bottle, during which the resulting CO₂ is trapped, creating the fine, persistent perlage. This was followed by 37 months of yeast aging in the bottle, during which yeast autolysis gradually developed the characteristic biscuit and toasted notes. After riddling, which moved the yeast to the neck of the bottle, the wine was disgorged on March 27, 2024; the dosage was added, and the bottle was finally corked. Release: Spring 2024.

What makes the Whitehaven Samantha Cuvée so special?

The ‘Samantha’ Cuvée embodies what Marlborough is capable of achieving in the world of sparkling wines: a Méthode Traditionnelle on par with Champagne, crafted from hand-selected single vineyards—the Chardonnay from Paul’s Road in Rapaura and the Pinot Noir from the Little Alfred Vineyard in the Omaka Valley. 37 months of bottle aging on the lees surpass many non-vintage Champagnes and create a depth that will continue to evolve for years to come. The 5% blend of reserve wine from 2018 lends the cuvée additional complexity and continuity. This is the second release of this limited-edition cuvée—a family tribute to Samantha White, who carries on the legacy of founder Greg White and actively contributes to Whitehaven’s winemaking. All grapes come exclusively from Whitehaven’s own vineyards in Marlborough.

So, how does the 2020 Whitehaven Samantha Cuvée taste?

In the glass, the “Samantha” cuvée displays a pale straw-yellow color with fine, even bubbles—a first indication of the meticulous craftsmanship behind it. The nose is inviting and complex: citrus blossom and crisp green apple open the aroma with freshness and vibrancy, before the typical biscuit notes from yeast autolysis follow, lending depth and warmth to the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is refined and elegant, distinctly dry in style, with lively freshness and a gentle creaminess that rounds out the overall impression. The balance is impeccable—acidity, fruit, and perlage blend seamlessly. The finish is long, precise, and refreshing.