Vineyard Notes

The grapes for this wine come from our family-owned Loveblock Farm in the Lower Awatere sub-region of Marlborough, where the elevated and windy location challenges the vines. Relatively unique in Marlborough, these grapes were sourced entirely from our Hillside estate vineyard. Here, the soil structure is very different from the valley floor below, with six inches of top soil covering impenetrable tight clay. This means the vigour of the vines can be easily managed by water. The vineyard is very exposed and the vines struggle with the wind, producing very small berries with intense aromas and flavours. The grapes were harvested in March yielding two tonnes per acre.

Vinification

Due to the very small crop, 3 tonnes total, the grape juice was barrel fermented in old French oak. Treated like a chardonnay after primary fermentation, the wine underwent full malolactic fermentation on gross lees and was stirred every two weeks. The wine was stabilised and bottled in February 2015, before aging in the bottle until deemed ready for sale.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale with golden touches.

Aroma: Delicate aromas of peach and juicy citrus notes underscored with passionfruit and a hint of oak.

Palate: The palate is elegant and restrained, with peach combining with citrus flavours and fresh acidity. The wine has lingering, layered minerality and texture, with some yeasty notes increasing the mouthfeel.

Food match: Perfect accompaniment to the spice and sweetness of Asian cuisine.

Sustainable status: Sustainably grown – SWNZ accredited.

Awards

Winestate, Marlborough Tasting (March/April 2019): 4 Stars

Winestate, BEST OF NEW ZEALAND Awards 2019: 4 Stars

Michael Cooper, NZ Listener (March 2019): 4 Stars

Cameron Douglas MS, World of Wine: 90 Points

Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout: 89 Points