Vineyard Notes

The grapes come from our Loveblock Farm in the Lower Awatere sub-region of Marlborough. Perched high on the hillside, about 150 m above sea level, our Chenin Blanc vines were allowed to botrytise in the late autumn. When raisining had occurred, the grapes were hand picked and transported to the winery.

Vinification

Fully botrytised grapes are rare on the hill due to the constant wind. The unique autumn of 2014 allowed the grapes to ripen fully and, then with the late rains, they botrytised perfectly. Picked at 42 Brix, the juice was fermented until it stopped naturally. The wine was then stabilised, filtered and bottled into a 500 ml bottle in October 2014.

It is not often we get these wines in Marlborough, but when we do they are world class.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Golden colour with hints of green.

Aroma: Bursting with apricot, pear, green apple and a hint of lime.

Palate: Apricot, ripe pear and apple. Intensely sweet and well-balanced with firm acidity and alcohol. Lingers forever.

Food match: A truly decadent wine to enjoy with a fresh fruit salad, soft ripe cheese or just to finish a meal.

Cellar: Two to three years.

Status: Sustainably grown and made.

Awards

Winestate Wine of the Year Special Edition 2017: 5 Stars

Winestate Marlborough March/April 2017: 5 Stars

Winestate Annual Edition 2017: 5 Stars

Winestate Best of Michael Cooper’s Recent Releases 2016: 5 Stars

Dish January 2015: Top Wine

Cuisine October 2015: Top 10 (#4) & Best Buy

WineNZ Autumn 2015: 4 Stars

2015 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards: Silver

2015 Spiegelau International Wine Competition: Bronze

2015 Air New Zealand Wine Awards: Pure Bronze

The Shout with Cameron Douglas: 3.5 Stars

Bob Campbell: 95 Points

Yvonne Lorkin: 5 Stars