Kim Crawford, 'Spitfire' Small Parcels Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Product Information
Country New Zealand
Region Marlborough
Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage 2023
ABV 12.5%
The Kim Crawford Small Parcels ‘Spitfire’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is named after a historic Marlborough site once used as a WWII air force base before being transformed into vineyard land for early vintages of this wine. For the 2023 vintage, fruit was carefully selected from the Kiritata Vineyard in Marlborough, a site known for producing expressive and concentrated Sauvignon Blanc.
The vineyard features heavy silt soils, supporting a large and healthy vine canopy that contributes to depth of flavour and structure. The six-year-old vines are trained using Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), promoting balanced growth and optimal fruit exposure.
2023 Vintage Conditions
The 2023 Marlborough vintage experienced favourable weather conditions, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly with minimal disease pressure. These conditions preserved purity of flavour, freshness, and aromatic intensity, making it an ideal year for the Small Parcels Sauvignon Blanc style.
Winemaking
Grapes were crushed immediately upon arrival at the winery, with juice drained and pressed without delay to retain freshness. Fermentation occurred slowly at cool temperatures, using a selected yeast strain to highlight varietal fruit character. Only the highest-quality parcels from the vineyard were chosen for the Kim Crawford Small Parcels Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc bottling.
Tasting Notes
This premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and intense, offering lifted aromas of ripe tropical fruit. The palate reveals layers of passionfruit, grapefruit, and citrus, complemented by distinct mineral and flinty notes. Crisp acidity provides balance and precision, leading to a long, clean, and lingering finish.
Originally founded in 1996 by Kim and Erica Crawford in Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Wines quickly rose to fame for their distinctive style and exceptional quality.
Now part of the Constellation Brands family, the winery is led by Chief Winemaker Dave Edmonds and a passionate team of viticulturists who stay true to the original Crawford philosophy, producing vibrant, fruit-driven wines with unmistakable character.
Kim Crawford Wines continues to set the standard for high-quality Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Rosé by maintaining strong, long-term relationships with local grape growers. These partnerships ensure consistency, premium grape selection, and the signature flavour profile fans love.
As part of their ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, Kim Crawford has embraced sustainable winemaking practices. Starting with the 2022 vintage, all wines are bottled in lightweight, eco-friendly wine bottles, reducing their carbon footprint without compromising quality.
