winery

Clos Henri

Marlborough, New Zealand

Philosophy

Gravity-fed winery established 2009 emphasises minimal intervention, unfined and unfiltered expression. High-density planting (5,500 plants/hectare) concentrated on three distinct terroir-driven parcels separated by the Wairau Fault. Sauvignon Blanc fermented primarily in stainless steel with partial barrel contact and lees aging; Pinot Noir wild-fermented with 20% whole-bunch work to extract mineral tannin character.

Reputation

Headed by members of the famous winegrowing family of Henri Bourgeois, from Sancerre, France, the Estate has been meticulously cared for since its establishment in 2000. After a twelve-year search across cool-climate regions, the Bourgeois family found in Marlborough's Wairau Valley soils and climate that reflected their native Sancerre, where ultra-premium Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir could be grown.

AllocationConfident on founding, family ownership, organic certification (BioGro 2013), biodynamic practices from 2011/2012. Winemaker Damien Yvon onsite since 2006. Vineyard holdings: 44 hectares under vine across 110-hectare total property (per wineanorak.com 2024; other sources cite 98-110 hectares total at purchase). First vines planted 2001, first commercial vintage 2003, winery built 2009. No specific US or Japan importer identified in search results; distribution focused on UK and Europe via estate distributor page. UK importers confirmed via distribution page: Les Caves de Pyrene primary UK route. Production volume not publicly disclosed. Current Gen proprietor Arnaud (General Manager per multiple sources), with Lionel and Jean-Christophe also cited as active family voices. No succession transition evident. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'The New Zealand Cellar (UK)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): "Connolly's Wine Merchants (UK)" | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Bijou Bottles (UK)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Alexander Wines (Scotland)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Monsieur Touton Selection (multiple European territories)'

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