Nautilus

Nautilus was born of wine royalty. Established by fifth-generation vigneron Robert Hill-Smith (see Yalumba, separate entry) in '85, the first vintage of sauvignon blanc arrived shortly thereafter. The estate owns 6 distinct sites across Marlborough, and each is farmed sustainably. Clive Jones has led winemaking since '98, including the esteemed Nautilus Pinot Noir programme, a benchmark for the region, which subsequently brought about a dedicated pinot noir winery (after an awe-inspiring visit to Burgundy's Dujac, no less). Yield management, wild yeasts and gentle handling in the winery are part of the repertoire. Alongside pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, they also make albariño, pinot gris and sparkling wine. -KATRINA BUTLER