+ ABOUT US
Comprising 40 acres of gently rolling hills overlooking the Heretaunga plains, this boutique property encompasses the ideal terroir for both grapes & olives.
With views out across the beautiful Hawkes Bay, from Napier Hill to Cape Kidnappers, its north facing slopes are ideally suited to capture optimal sun and are comprised of rich clays and a limestone substrate.
Carefully chosen varietals, rootstocks & clones have been matched to the distinctive, site-specific microclimate in an effort to complement & enhance these wines and exhibit the unique essence of Hawkes Bay.
The comprehensive, hands-on vineyard care ensures a balanced canopy with low yield, high quality fruit, providing winemaker Pieter Koopman with a solid base from which he creates these exceptional wines of outstanding quality.
THE VINEYARD
The Syrah plantings are 100% heritage clone (also known as MS or Limmer). Fairly dense plantings at 1.6 x 1.2 meter spacing coupled with the natural exposure that comes with hillside locations, ensures naturally lower yielding vines, approximately 1.5kg per vine.
The VSP trellising require only light top and side trimming and a 50% morning side leaf plucking in the fruiting zone to allow first light into to the bunches. Hand picking and gentle destemming ensure this special fruit reaches the fermenter in immaculate condition.
Our Chardonnay plantings are slightly less dense at 1.6 x 1.5m allowing for a bit more air movement and light. Yields are also quite low at about 2kg per vine. Similar canopy treatment to Syrah with the exception of 50% leaf plucking on both side of the fruiting zone to allow improved air and light exposure.
Again, hand picking and then immediate whole bunch pressing ensure fresh pristine chardonnay juice which is then put directly to barrel for fermentation.
+ VINEYARD
+ WINEMAKER
PIETER KOOPMAN, WINEMAKER
“Learn by doing” epitomizes the wine-making career of Pieter Koopman.
An avid interest in good food & wine, combined with a fascination for understanding processes and their outcomes, guided Pieter to his true calling. Coursework in viticulture & enology at UC Davis, in conjunction with hands on vintage work in Sonoma, California confirmed that growing and making great wine, complete from vine to bottle, was his passion.
His experimental, curious nature and an intrinsic feel for wine and its creation have defined Pieter’s approach to winemaking with a “less is more” belief that wine should not so much be ‘made’ as ‘made to reveal itself’. For him this process starts in the vineyard, which must be constantly tended and vigilantly pursued. His daily involvement keeps him attuned to the vines, the weather & the soil. This connection brings an emotional commitment and passion to his winemaking, while intellectually he strives to unlock and reveal the fundamental structure, texture & tannin of the fruit.
2010 CHARDONNAY
Pale straw colour and soft aromatic lilt promises a pristine, penetrating and refreshing wine. An aromatic array comprised of biscuit, hazelnut, lemon blossom, flint and peach pip mesh for a complex bouquet. The palate possesses a nice even richness and warmth which is poised by a subtle phenolic texture and fresh acidity. This wine is wonderfully rich and complete with a long, complex finish and an attractive mineral flair balancing the fruits’ natural sweetness.
Cellaring: 4 – 7 years from vintage
210 cases produced
$35.00 per bottle
+ CHARDONNAY
2009 SYRAH
Intensity of colour and complexity of aromatic profile give a hint to the subtle power in this wine. With an exotic nose that wafts between black cherry, an edge of pepper, and perfumed florals, this sophisticated wine reveals lovely spice amidst a wave of dense black fruit and savoury meaty flavours that lingers on the palate and leaves you begging for more. Subtle and silky, the persistent tannins bring a level of added intensity to this serious, balanced and concentrated expression of syrah.
Cellaring: 7 – 10 years from vintage
70 cases produced
$45.00 per bottle
+ SYRAH
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Hand picking and cold pressing is essential to obtain oil with optimal character and low acidity. This award-winning oil is made primarily from Gidon olives, combined with a light blend of Barnea, Manzanilla, Verdale, and Souri olives to round out the palate.
Its full-flavoured, dense, velvety texture has a fresh, grassy character with a peppery finish.
The golden green colour and vibrant piquancy makes it ideal for dressings, pestos, tapenades, drizzling on pasta, or just simply dipping.
500ml $21.00
250ml $14.00
100ml $7.00
+ OLIVE OIL
BALSAMIC VINEGAR
This natural complement to our fine oil is made from grape must & aged in wooden casks. It is the ideal partner of our extra virgin olive oil in making delicious dippings or dressings.
500ml $17.00
250ml $11.00
100ml $6.00
SPICY DIPPING OIL
A zesty blend of oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic & spices. This savoury concoction is perfect for dipping crusty breads or drizzling over pasta & salads. Be ready for some garlic & spice!
100ml $10.00
+ BALSAMIC / DIPPING OIL
NZ
156 Anderson Road
Paki Paki, Hastings 4178
T 06 871 0288
F 06 871 0289
USA
7445 Girard Ave, Suite 4
La Jolla, Ca 92037
T (858) 459 1300
F (858) 459 7689
Email us: Click Here
Distributor for all of New Zealand excluding Hawkes Bay:
Mineral Ltd, PO Box 47449, Ponsonby 1144, Auckland
Wines can currently be found at:
Advintage in Havelock North
The Lodge at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Milk and Honey, Napier
Crazy Horse the Steak House, Wellington
Ponsonby Bistro, Auckland
The Barn on Waiheke Island
Simply Paris, Auckland
Accent on Wine, Auckland
La Barrique, Remuera, Auckland
Hotel de Brett, Auckland
Shed 5, Queens Wharf, Wellington
Liquorland Riccarton, Christchurch
Centre City Wines & Spirits, Wellington
Super Liquor Papanui, Christchurch
Simply Paris, Te Aro, Wellington
Liquid Molten, Mount Eden, Auckland