THE WINES
Our range of award-winning wines come from our family owned vineyards situated on north facing sun drenched terraces along the Waipara River. These wines are distinctive and a great match for food, and although are often described as more European in style than New Zealand, they are typical of our unique fossil rich soils and our untypical vineyard and micro-region.
2021
SAUVIGNON BLANC
A complex and textural wine from the gravels of our Waipara riverside home – dense with flavours of summer, fresh citrus, tangerine zest, granny smith and wet river gravels. The palate has silky texture that is balanced by the refreshing acid backbone and cleansing tannins. Flavours follow through from the nose, Kaffir lime, Meyer lemon, crunchy stone fruits and underlying tropical flavours.
13.5% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards
| 2021 |
2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes
A complex and textural wine from the gravels of our Waipara riverside home - dense with flavours of summer, fresh citrus, tangerine zest, granny smith and wet river gravels. The palate has silky texture that is balanced by the refreshing acid backbone and cleansing tannins. Flavours follow through from the nose, Kaffir lime, Meyer lemon, crunchy stone fruits and underlying tropical flavours.
Alcohol 13.5%
2018
CHARDONNAY N BLOCK
Tank fermented and aged on lees for 10 months with no malolactic fermentation. Classic chardonnay characters of citrus, peach, white flower and crushed stone giving subtle fruit and mineral palate with long clean intense finish. Best described as Chablis with fruit.
14.5% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2013 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
2013 N Block Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
The wine is a pleasing pale straw/green showing that oxidation has been kept to a minimum. Aromatically this wine shows the subtle intensity of this vineyard site. Citrus oil, meringue, grapefruit, short bread and subtle bergamot characters are underpinned by lovely stoney mineral notes. The palate is similarly restrained showing white nectarine, more grapefruit and a lovely rock salt like salinity. The flavours build nicely in the mouth as the
soft entry gives way to an evenly textured mid-palate that is crisp and refreshing rather like a lemon sorbet then finishes with lovely softness akin to almond shortbread. This is a wine made to enjoy in its youth but don’t be
surprised to see it develop nicely in bottle for the next 5-8 years. It shows what can be achieved with when the depth of flavour from a great vineyard is allowed to show its underlying character by sensible winemaking and
packaging consistent with the modern world.
Alcohol 13.5%
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015 - Bronze Medal
2018 N Block Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Pale golden kiwifruit in colour with hues of green and silver. On the nose, this wine is truly multi-layered however, all of them are somewhat understated. Fresh pineapple and sea salted cracker at first, perfumed white flower and white tea in the centre, all sitting on a base of malt toffee. These aromas combine and evolve into a vast number of flavours in the mouth. Ripe peach and lemon meringue define the taste, due to a combination of full-bodied mouthfeel, cleansing acidity and a bite on the finish. A rich complex wine.
Alcohol 14.5%
Awards
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 - Silver Medal
2019 N Block Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Pale golden colour with iridescent hues of green and silver. On the nose this wine is truly multi-layered and yet understated. Mixes of fresh citrus and ripe stone fruit wrapped in layers of perfumed white flower and home baked short bread. These aromas combine and evolve into vast number of flavours in the mouth. Ripe peach, crunchy nectarine with a tangerine drive define the taste. A viscous full-bodied mouthfeel from lees autolysis and cleansing acidity complete the palate.
Alcohol 13.5%
2020 N Block Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
A clear pale lemon core with a gold hue and flecks of green and silver. The aroma of the wine is truly multi-layered. It shows fresh lime and lemon, white stone fruit and fragrant almond blossom mixed with malt biscuit and underlying mineral notes. Ripe peach and nectarine with key lime and yuzu drive the palate. A luscious full-bodied mouthfeel from aging on fine lees gives flavours of malty cheesecake crust combined with a crunchy mineral finish and hints of salted caramel.
Alcohol 13.5%
2018
CHARDONNAY
Silver and green flashes with a gold base. On the nose, sweet white florals, frying butter and stone fruit. Toasty oak and creamy yeast combining with the fruit invoking wonderful puddings. The entry to the palate is soft and creamy and builds quickly with lemon zest, wood smoke, grapefruit pith and rock salt to a satisfying finish. A wine full of character.
14.5% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
2018 Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Silver and green flashes with a gold base. On the nose, sweet white florals, frying butter and stone fruit. Toasty oak and creamy yeast combining with the fruit invoking wonderful puddings. The entry to the palate is soft and creamy and builds quickly with lemon zest, wood smoke, grapefruit pith and rock salt to a satisfying finish. A wine full of character.
Alcohol 14.5%
Awards
2020 International Wine & Spirit Competition - Silver Medal
2019 Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Pale lemon with green and gold tinged hue. Ripe stone fruits, charred citrus, flinty Gunsmoke with underlying apple blossom and honey suckle. Crunchy nectarine, yellow stone fruit and green mango with a bright and driving acidity, understated oak influence coupled with our typical mineral salt crust finish.
Alcohol 14%
2020 Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Pale gold green with silver flecks. On the nose, Yarrow, Citrus peel, Charred Stone fruits, Lemon curd overlay a restrained flinty minerality. The palate shows fresh citrus and nectarine with a creamy texture that is pulled into shape by bright backbone of acidity. The generous summer fruits are also supported by an understated oak influence with its caramel comfort coupled with our typical cleansing mineral saline reprise.
Alcohol 14%
2020
RIESLING ‘DRY’
Clean and clear with gold, silver, and green tints in the hues. Aromas of pure green apples, lemon, and lime with delicate white florals. Mixture of orange and yellow citrus balanced with crisp fresh acidity, river stone minerality that is synonymous with our vineyards. Crunch stone fruit and a gentle pithy phenolic provide drive on the finish.
12% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
2019 Riesling ‘Dry’
Tasting Notes
Pale barley straw in colour with vibrant yellow, silver and green hues. This wine gives off sense of tension and youth. Aromas of lime leaf, blossom and fruit are so pure and inviting. As it evolves in the glass it reveals subtleties like dusty dry herbs, juniper and gravel. The taste is reminiscent of a perfect Mandarin, so bursting with sweet flavour the acid provides direction and pithy phenolics provide a lingering dry mouthfeel.
Alcohol 12%
2020 Riesling ‘Dry’
Tasting Notes
Clean and clear with gold, silver, and green tints in the hues. Aromas of pure green apples, lemon, and lime with delicate white florals. Mixture of orange and yellow citrus balanced with crisp fresh acidity, river stone minerality that is synonymous with our vineyards. Crunch stone fruit and a gentle pithy phenolic provide drive on the finish.
Alcohol 12%
2021 Riesling ‘Dry’
Tasting Notes
Light straw with a pale gold green hue and silver flecks. Aromas of pure green apples, lemon, lime leaf with delicate white florals and oyster shell. Mixture of orange and yellow citrus balanced with crisp fresh acidity, river stone minerality that is synonymous with our vineyards. Crunchy stone fruit and lime zest provide a cleansing drive on the finish.
Alcohol 12.5%
2013
RIESLING ‘HELL BLOCK’
The aromatics are unashamedly floral in nature, rose, lavender, apple, and citrus blossom.
If we use colour descriptors rather than traditional flavour this wine would be essentially green/yellow with veins of pink and blue woven through. The former being citrus-like fruit notes and the latter being ripe red apple and crunchy mineral.
10% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2012 | 2013 |
2012 Riesling ‘Hell Block’
Tasting Notes
Aromatically this is a delightful expression of Riesling, albeit with its wild side tamed and definitely no sign of botrytis to obscure the purity of the fruit. White flowers, citrus zest and just a touch of talc like minerality on the nose. The palate is laden with yellow and green citrus notes, think limes, lemons, grapefruit, mandarin, gorgeous juicy acidity and a long refreshing finish that begs for another sip. The alcohol is thankfully low so you can enjoy an extra glass without worrying about the old Bill putting the dampeners on your evening. Screw cap sealed for your protection, enjoy it over the next 5-10 years.
Alcohol 9%
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2013 - Silver Medal
2013 Riesling ‘Hell Block’
Tasting Notes
The aromatics are unashamedly floral in nature, rose, lavender, apple and citrus blossom. If we use colour descriptors rather than traditional flavour this wine would be essentially green/yellow with veins of pink and blue woven through. The former being citrus like fruit notes and the latter being ripe red apple and crunchy mineral. Either way it goes a long way to accurately expressing this vineyard in this growing season. A wine of which we are immensely proud and believe is capable of a long and happy life. Not necessarily of biblical proportions but profound nonetheless.
Alcohol 10%
2020
PINOT NOIR
Medium ruby heart with red hue. Aromas of ripe red cherries and plums, underneath are wild raspberries and freshly crushed currants. Classic forest undergrowth, clove, dark spice, and bramble notes surround the fruit while purple florals give everything a lift. An alive palate of fresh dark red fruits, fine grained tannin, well integrated oak. The structure is built around a gentle core of acidity which give freshness to the wine and is capped off with an oyster shell reprise that resonates.
14% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2016 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
2016 Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Estate grown on 3 blocks with differing soil structure, wind exposure and clones – early 1980’s selections from St Helena and more recent Dijon clones.
The colour is an attractive, very bright ruby garnet with distinct crimson hues at the rim. Aromatically it is as striking as it is seductive. Bright red fruits - raspberry, strawberry and Morello cherry have immediate impact with an equally impressive array of oriental spices - anise and clove. Ripe seed aromas of almond kernel and cherry stone lift the nose. Time reveals an inner core of darker black cherry, and just a hint of bramble all kept in check by some very attractive yet subtle French oak. The palate is soft, silken and warm but with a certain nervosité which is to say that as a young wine it may appear both bright in acidity and forward in tannins, but that’s just for starters. Those are simply the framework in which the wine is cradled, the fruit depth is palpable, the Pinosity generous and its presence authoritative. Give it time in bottle, at least 3 years we would gauge, and you will be rewarded with a fine, poised, Pinot that speaks volumes about where it is from and those that have produced it.
Alcohol 14.5%
Awards
International Wine Challenge 2018 - Gold Medal
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 - Silver Medal
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 - Silver Medal
2018 Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Mid ruby/crimson in colour with purple hues at the rim. Aromatically it shouts savoury notes slightly louder and more upfront than previous vintages with warm cedar and leaf litter. Sweet perfume, dried herbs and blue fruit seeps through and intertwines with the savoury elements creating a truly multi layered experience. Full and rich on the pallet it grabs and holds your attention with a bright and crisp berry-fruit crunch. Tension rings out on the finish with firm and chalky tannins that will soften as the wine relaxes in bottle.
Alcohol 14.5%
Awards
International Wine Challenge 2020 - Silver Medal
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 - Silver Medal
2019 Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Medium ruby heart with red hue. Aromas of ripe red cherries and plums, underneath are wild raspberries and freshly crushed currants. Classic forest undergrowth, clove, dark spice, and bramble notes surround the fruit while purple florals give everything a lift. An alive palate of fresh dark red fruits, fine grained tannin, well integrated oak. The structure is built around a gentle core of acidity which give freshness to the wine and is capped off with an oyster shell reprise that resonates.
Alcohol 14%
Awards
Air New Zealand 2015 - Gold Medal
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015 - Silver Medal
Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 - Silver Medal
International Wine Challenge 2017 - Silver Medal
2020 Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Medium ruby heart with red hue. Aromas of ripe red cherries and plums, underneath are wild raspberries and freshly crushed currants. Classic forest undergrowth, clove, dark spice, and bramble notes surround the fruit while purple florals give everything a lift. An alive palate of fresh dark red fruits, fine grained tannin, well integrated oak. The structure is built around a gentle core of acidity which give freshness to the wine and is capped off with an oyster shell reprise that resonates.
Alcohol 14%
2018
CABERNET FRANC
From possibly the most Southern Cabernet Franc vineyard in the world. Bright purple with crimson hues with red, blue and plummy black fruit, mulberry and brambles. Soft and warm with velvety tannins – savoury and luxurious and a little spicy.
14.5% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
2018 Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes
Dark plum in colour with hues of crimson and red rose. Blackcurrant and red liquorice on the nose, with notes of star anise, cinnamon, and toasted almond. A coastal influence gives freshness. In the mouth, sweet juicy plums with crunchy acidity and chewy tannins. Lasting flavours of toffee apple and blueberry on the finish. Lovely.
Alcohol 14.5%
Awards
International Wine Challenge 2020 - Bronze Medal
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 - Bronze Medal
2019 Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes
Dark ruby heart with crimson trim. Dark plums, cassis and red liquorice jump out of the glass, delicate floral notes of sweet and peppery Boronia as well as underlying violets. In the background hints of dried herbs. Mixtures of wild blackcurrant, Black Doris plums and chocolate. Plush texture with a juicy finish is balanced with a fine raspberry acidity and underlying oak tannins, the wine concludes with a gentle warm comfort on the reprise.
Alcohol 14%
2020 Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes
Crimson heart with a ruby hue. Black Doris plum, blackcurrant jam and fresh black berries dominate the aromas. These are Interlaced with fresh violets, dried thyme with underlying cedar box. The dark fruits follow through on the palate as well as cassis, chambord, and black cherries. Crushed cinnamon stick and savoury star anise compliment the fresh fruit while the delicate acid gives a bright lifted mouthfeel that is wrapped in plush velvety tannins.
Alcohol 14.5%
2014
RAM PADDOCK RED
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from our ‘hottest’ block, a heat reflecting amphitheatre. Aromatically, Merlot contributes dark chocolate/mocha and plum; Cabernet Franc – violets, red currants and grapefruit; Cabernet Sauvignon – cedar, tobacco and cassis. The palate shows serious, sturdy, structural tannins cloaking the core pastille fruit made savoury by bay leaf, black olive and anise.
13.5% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2018 |
2014 Ram Paddock Red
Tasting Notes
At bottling it is a lovely deep purple/magenta colour. Each variety shows itself in the nose, dark chocolate/mocha and plum notes from the Merlot, smouldering tobacco, cedar and cassis from the Cabernet and violets, redcurrants and graphite from the Franc. The palate is equally serious showing sturdy, structural tannins than cloak the deep, dark pastille at its core made slightly savoury by bay leaf, black olive and anise. The wine shows a typical maritime edge to it but then again so does Bordeaux, Margaret River and Coonawarra so with time we expect this wine to relax and reveal true complexity from its smoky depths. Enjoy with char grilled-eye fillet steak, lashings of mustard, roast garlic and a heady red wine jus.
Alcohol 13.5%
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017 - Bronze Medal
2015 Ram Paddock Red
Tasting Notes
The wine shows a lovely mid Ruby/Crimson colour with flashes of purple at the rim. The nose clearly shows the essence of each variety with cassis, cedar and tobacco leaf from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Franc offers up its characteristic violet like perfume, blueberry like fruit notes and peppery lift. The Merlot is all gorgeous, juicy plums and a lovely earthiness that keeps the wine grounded. All seasoned with some lovely toasty French oak. In the mouth the wine is immediately appealing with softly textured Cabernet Franc leading the way with its blue hues fruits, savoury sinew and delightfully peppery tannins. The mid palate is suitable fleshed out by those plummy pastille notes of the Merlot which also contributes some lovely low toned savoury notes like a well tuned sub-woofer. As the palate builds the Cabernet begins to assert itself showing typical blackcurrant, cigar-box and its unmistakable tannic grip. While quite chewy in its youth we expect the tannin to resolve over the next decade to reward those patient enough to cellar into the mid 2020’s.
Alcohol 14%
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017 - Silver Medal
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 - Silver Medal
International Wine Challenge 2020 - Silver Medal
2016 Ram Paddock Red
Tasting Notes
It is a deep purple magenta in colour. The nose is densely packed with ripe, dark fruits particularly damson plum and cassis with more than a hint of violets, graphite and cigar smoke contributed by considerable amounts of toasty new French oak. On the palate the wine is equally power packed with more of those dense plummy fruit pastille notes, black currant/cassis and a gorgeous seam of fine, sweet, powdery tannins. As the wine builds in the mouth it slowly reveals layers of complexity, fruit, oak & spice enriched by lovely warming alcohol. This is clearly the best Ram Paddock we have made so far and will happily see it age for the next decade or so.
Alcohol 15%
2018 Ram Paddock Red
Tasting Notes
Ruby core with garnet hue. Aromas of Red berries and currents mixed with tobacco and leather against a background of fragrant violets. Juicy plums, lackberries and redcurrants intertwined with spicey cider and dried herbs on the palate balanced with elegant dusty tannins, gentle acidity, and a refreshing mineral reprise.
Alcohol 14.5%
2020
TWO TERRACE
PINOT NOIR
Ruby heart with a red hue. Earth driven aromas mixed with alluring Cherries, lifted violets, underlying black liquorice and hints of woodsmoke. Crunchy and crisp red fruits, savoury Raspberries, and our hallmark minerality are held together with finely woven tannins that provide a velvety texture. The vibrant fruit and acidity accumulate on the palate and give a long, graceful finish.
14% Alc/Vol.
Vintages, Tasting Notes & Awards:
| 2020 |
2020 Two Terrace Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Ruby heart with a red hue. Earth driven aromas mixed with alluring Cherries, lifted violets, underlying black liquorice and hints of woodsmoke. Crunchy and crisp red fruits, savoury Raspberries, and our hallmark minerality are held together with finely woven tannins that provide a velvety texture. The vibrant fruit and acidity accumulate on the palate and give a long, graceful finish.
Alcohol 14%
