Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Albariño is the famous white grape variety of the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal — particularly the Rias Baixas region in Galicia. Albariño thrives in the temperate and maritime Marlborough climate. Albariño is a new grape variety in New Zealand, with the first plantings in 2009 and our first harvest, from a Galician clone, in 2013.
Aromas of stone fruit and ripe citrus with some vanilla notes. A fresh, lively palate with white peach and tropical flavours, medium body and length and a chalky, mineral finish.
Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. Fermented on grape solids with a selected yeast strain, and aged on lees. Half was fermented and aged in a stainless steel tank and the other portion in old French oak barriques which went through malolactic fermentation with barrel stirring."
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz Magazine October/November 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"Simon Waghorn is one of New Zealand’s most talented and experienced winemakers, and specialises in aromatic expressions of South Island white wines. This comes through clearly in each succulent sip of this Albariño from the southernmost vineyard in Marlborough, Kekerengu, which is situated on the coast. This small site provides grapes with noticeable freshness, a salty taste and great acidity, giving good ageing potential too."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
4 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"Grown at Kekerengu, the 2020 vintage was hand-picked and fermented in an even split of tanks and old French oak barrels. Aromatic, with a sense of lightness and vigour, it's a good aperitif style, medium-bodied, with vigorous, citrusy, limey flavours and a crisp, fully dry finish. Very lively and youthful, it should be at its best mid-2023+."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, September 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"A striking bouquet with aromas of a young and vibrant wine with fresh citrus and peach, there’s a fine savoury seam then scents of apple and lemon peel. Salivating, crisp and dry on the palate with flavours that transition quickly from white peach to citrus pith, apple and white flowers to lemon and a fi ne savoury lees texture. An aperitif style ready for imbibing from purchase and through 2025."