“Big Barrel’ refers to Steve’s unique roll fermentation method in big, 1000 litre French oak fudres. This results in agentle extraction of colour and tannins from the grapes and gives the wine’s magnificent texture. The picturesque hillside site in Marlborough’s Southern Whither Hill where the grapes for this wine are grown is a true hidden gem; a tiny block that's just right for a family operation like Steve Bird Wines. Here, it has produced a genuinely impressive Pinot Noir with earthy, spicy notes in support of the rich, dark-fruit aromas. On the palate it is deeply flavoured and lushly textured with supple, silky tannins. This is a superb partner for crispy duck breast. Variety: 100 percent Pinot Noir

This classy Pinot Noir has an earthy barnyard bouquet with a touch of spice. A silky smooth but generous inky fruit richness on the palate and a layered texture with fine tannins.

This wine has a bright, light salmon color with a charming nose of strawberries and watermelon. It leads into mouth-filling ripe fruit flavors and a smooth palate. The finish is fresh, clean, and moreish. Opawa Rosé is a dry wine that is perfect as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to fresh summer cuisine.

This bright, refreshing non-alcoholic Rose wine has fl avours of strawberry, lime andguava with a delicious citrus crispness. All balanced by a subtle sweetness, with a freshand moreish fi nish, leaving you wanting more.

Looking to exploit the site’s unique location, the vineyard started redevelopment in 2009. Using a renownedFrench soil scientist, sampling revealed ground composition similar to the Rhone Valley and foothills of the French Alps, rich in minerals, nutrients and excellent water holding capacity. The focus shifted to high density planting Pinot Noir and Syrah vines and farming the vineyard organically (moving from 20,000vines to over 40,000). The project paid off, in 2016 The Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2013 was awarded the coveted IWSC international Pinot Noir of the Year, testament to the potential of this vineyard site Sitting below Fairhall Southern side valleys - carved by ancient glaciers, deep silt gravels within dispersed underlying light clays, free draining, top solid rich in organic matter 20-40cm rich in silt, 40-100cm layers of gravels rich in iron, great porosity and good moisture content. A dry Marlborough winter created some concern for the growing season. However, it was unnecessary as soil moisture levels were high enough to maintain exceptionally healthy vines through spring. In early December, warm average air temperatures helped ensure successful flowering. Timely rainfall in January and February ensured ideal fruit set and berry development. Dedicated yield and canopy management throughout the summer ensured balanced crops were maintained with light airy canopies that allowed dappled light and good air movement around the ripening fruit. Warm temperatures from February created the perfect ripening environment for flavour development. Overall vintage 2016 delivered fully ripe fruit with intense flavour and concentration. Minimal cold soak, followed by up to 25 days on skins. The fermentations were long and cool so as not to overly extract the tannin from the fruit.

Approachable, generous and flavoursome with a silken elegance. Berry fruits come to the fore with gentle dried herb notes in the background. Medium bodied, the palate is finely structured with lovely soft lingering tannins which integrate perfectly with the soft supportive acid and plush fruit.

No one knows for sure how long these brightly coloured crustaceans have made some of the coastlines of New Zealand home, but their quirky nature perfectly reflects what Lobster Reef wines are all about. This Rose has been infused with grapefruit to bring luscious grapefruit and strawberry flavours. Who knew your favourite Rose could get any better!