{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Cellardoor24","provider_url":"https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/en\/","author_name":"Stephan","author_url":"https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/en\/author\/admin\/","title":"2020 Whitehaven 'Samantha' Cuv\u00e9e M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"QKhft3NWyN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/en\/product\/2020-whitehaven-samantha-cuvee-methode-traditionnelle\/\">2020 Whitehaven &#8216;Samantha&#8217; Cuv\u00e9e M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/en\/product\/2020-whitehaven-samantha-cuvee-methode-traditionnelle\/embed\/#?secret=QKhft3NWyN\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;2020 Whitehaven &#8216;Samantha&#8217; Cuv\u00e9e M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle&#8221; &#8212; Cellardoor24\" data-secret=\"QKhft3NWyN\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/cellardoor24.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/NZWH90-20.jpg","thumbnail_width":1000,"thumbnail_height":1000,"description":"2020 Whitehaven \u2018Samantha\u2019 Cuv\u00e9e \u2013 Delicate bubbles, biscuit, and citrus blossom from Marlborough's finest M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle refers to the classic bottle fermentation process\u2014the same labor-intensive technique that gives Champagne its unmistakable depth and complexity. With the \u201cSamantha\u201d Cuv\u00e9e, 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\u2014a 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 \u2018Samantha\u2019 Cuv\u00e9e 2020 begins with the harvest: On March 2, 2020, the Chardonnay from Paul\u2019s Road in Rapaura was hand-harvested, followed two days later by the Pinot Noir from the Little Alfred Vineyard in the Omaka Valley\u2014both 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 cuv\u00e9e, Chardonnay (69%) and Pinot Noir (31%) were blended with 5% reserve wine from the 2018 vintage\u2014this 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 CO\u2082 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 Cuv\u00e9e so special? The \u2018Samantha\u2019 Cuv\u00e9e embodies what Marlborough is capable of achieving in the world of sparkling wines: a M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle on par with Champagne, crafted from hand-selected single vineyards\u2014the 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 cuv\u00e9e additional complexity and continuity. This is the second release of this limited-edition cuv\u00e9e\u2014a family tribute to Samantha White, who carries on the legacy of founder Greg White and actively contributes to Whitehaven\u2019s winemaking. All grapes come exclusively from Whitehaven\u2019s own vineyards in Marlborough.   So, how does the 2020 Whitehaven Samantha Cuv\u00e9e taste? In the glass, the \u201cSamantha\u201d cuv\u00e9e displays a pale straw-yellow color with fine, even bubbles\u2014a 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\u2014acidity, fruit, and perlage blend seamlessly. The finish is long, precise, and refreshing."}