2021 Estate, Puriri Hills

Auckland

In the north of the North Island, Auckland was the cradle of New Zealand wine, however it seemed finished in the 1980’s with the rise of Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. With a very warm and wet climate, excessive vine vigour and disease meant it was hard to make wine of quality. However, better vineyard techniques in the 1990’s coupled with some newly planted subregions, most especially Waiheke Island, breathed new life into the region. Although production is small, the region is now home to some of the most sought after and expensive wines in the country such as Stonyridge and Man O’War. Bordeaux blends tend to density, yet not without finesse, whilst Chardonnay is both exotic and fresh. Waiheke Syrah shows world class promise, with great aromatics and freshness. Bordeaux varietals make up 50% of the vineyard, Chardonnay 18%, Syrah 14% and Pinot Gris 9%.