Vineyard Notes

The grapes come from our Loveblock Farm in the Lower Awatere sub-region of Marlborough. Perched high on the hill, about 150 m above sea level, the Muscat grapes ripen exceptionally early. Picked on 12th March in perfect condition at 18.2 Brix, 6.75 TA and 3.42 pH, the grapes were immediately pressed and cold settled at the winery.

Vinification

Once settled, the juice was racked and inoculated with yeast. Cool fermented until 10 Brix, the wine was then fortified in true Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise style with grain alcohol. The wine was then stabilised, filtered and placed in a 500 ml bottle in October 2015.

A unique wine style for Marlborough.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Golden glow.

Aroma: Gentle aroma of sloe berries and dried fruit.

Palate: Unfolds with creamy apple pie, honey, rosewater and mandarin. Its crisp acidity ensures a clean, lively finish.

Food match: Enjoy with apple crumble, cheese or on its own instead of dessert.

Cellar: Six years.

Status: Sustainably grown and made.

Awards

The Shout, Tasting Notes with Cameron Douglas MS, July 2018: 91 Points

New Zealand Wines 2020 – Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide: 4 Stars

Winestate Wine of the Year Special Edition 2017: 4 Stars

Winestate March/April 2017: 4 Stars

Winestate Annual Edition 2017: 4 Stars

Winestate Best of Michael Cooper’s Recent Releases: 4 Stars

Winestate Marlborough Tasting Nov 2016: 4 Stars

Winestate Recent Releases May/June 2016: 4 Stars

The Wine Front: 85 Points

2015 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards: Bronze

2015 Spiegelau International Wine Competition: Bronze

2015 Bragato Wine Awards: Pure Bronze