Meltwater Marlborough Chardonnay
A rather hedonistic nose suggests ripe pears, fresh peach and oatmeal while the palate is taught and chalky with nectarine, pear and iodine notes and a driven freshness. Unmistakably Marlborough for its cleansing hit of salty goodness, this is harmonious, balanced and dry. Established in 2011, Corofin is the new home for ex-Jackson Estate winesmith Mike Paterson and his partner Anna, until recently GM at TerraVin. At this early juncture, while Mike is contracted to another project and Anna busy raising the couples two young daughters, Corofin craft two (soon to be three) single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, each in tiny 100-150-case lots. You can read about two of these pretty special Marlborough sites below (the third being the Weavers Waihopi Slopes at Churton). Not too far down the line well see a little Chardonnay as well. For the time being the wines are made out of temporary digs at Fromm. Having spent the majority of their working years in and about Marlborough, Mike and Anna have no doubt regarding the potential of their adopted region, and were well placed to approach their first choice of vineyards. Indeed, Patersons selection of sites reflects both a winemakers enthusiasm for Marlboroughs Southern Valley hillside vineyards plus the dedication of certain grape growers whose vineyards he believes act as a beacon of Marlborough individuality. Not by accident do these growers focus on organic and/or biodynamic principles. In addition, Patersons artisanal approach in the winery does the necessary justice to each site; hand-harvesting and sorting, whole berry/cluster ferments, fermentation with indigenous yeast, no fining nor filtration and zero new wood, with the wines raised in 2-4 year old barrels. In a region where for much of the time money talks and terroir walks, Corofins 2013s show that great, singular terroir is thriving in Marlborough (a cliché that has sometimes hit troubled waters in its journey across the ditch). Paterson goes one step further in demonstrating that precocious, ripe Marlborough Pinot can be made without confected fruit, nor winemaking artefactPatersons are beautifully aromatic, detailed and sculpted Pinot Noir, which combine the best of all worlds: finesse, freshness, terroir transparency. We can already tell you hes got a similar way with Chardonnay. The wines have the aromatic prowess and elegant texture that will appeal to Burgundy fanatics, but also youthful generosity and reasonable price tag; qualities all Pinot lovers can get behind. In short, were delighted to be working with this talented and classy young project.
Maude Pinot Gris
This Pinot Gris combines fruit from premium sites in Central Otago, including Maude's mature family owned vineyard in Wanaka, Mt Maude. This Pinot gris has typical aromas of ripe pear, quince and brioche lead onto a rich textured palate where whole bunch pressing and partial barrel fermentation has created complexity.
Fromm La Strada Pinot Noir
Fromm's passion for Pinot Noir is reflected in the attention to detail shown in the vineyard and throughout the winemaking process. Carefully selected clones and rootstocks, together with intensive vineyard care and low cropping, means the vines produce fruit that illustrates the terroir in which they were grown. Today in the Fromm stable of vineyards there are eleven clones, 4000 - 5000 vines per hectare, with crop levels around five to six tonnes per hectare. The blend which makes up each years La Strada Pinot Noir by Fromm depends on what nature has given in each of their vineyards. Invariably, the wine is strongly varietal, fruity and has immediate appeal.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc
Family owned Villa Maria Estate has been rated as New Zealands
Babich Headwaters Organic Block Sauvignon Blanc
A great new addition to the Babich range of much loved Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, this time an organic Sauvignon Blanc. Great single vineyard expression with large amounts of tropical fruit with a backbone of clean and crisp minerals. Cleansing acidity on the finish rounds out what is a true organic star.
Framingham Pinot Noir
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc
Quartz Reef Pinot Gris
Quartz Reef Pinot Gris exhibits flavours of ripe pear, peach and marzipan with a rich texture and an off-dry mineral finish. Colour is lemon gold. Aroma is nutmeg, honey, ginger and white peach. The palate is rich and textural with a delicious fine acidity. Cellaring is 3-5 years.
Smith & Sheth CRU Wairau Sauvignon Blanc NZ
"Wonderful aromatics of yellow flowers, lime, and a warm summer meadow. Lovely delicious palate brimming with nectarine, fresh lime, and hints of ripe nectarine and gooseberry finishing with a lovely long feel of the stony soils and refreshing acidity."
Squealing Pig Pinot Gris Bagnum
This Squealing Pig Pinot Gris has been made from grapes sourced from Marlborough, bringing stunning sensation and flavour to the wine, with beautiful balance and flavour of fresh nashi pear and juice stone fruit. Serve chilled and enjoy now with your best buddies.