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After several decades of crafting Australia's most memorable vintages, Mike Press is more sanguine than ever that great wine can only come from the finest vineyards. His dedicated hands on approach means that he is personally involved in every stage of the winemaking, from pruning the vines and inspecting grapes, right to plunging the ferments and bottling his finished wine. Mike Press» |
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The top shelf in toothsome and dulcetly fragrant, fruit forward frizzante wines, fashioned for those who know what they like and take their Moscato seriously. Brown Brothers make the best Moscato in the land, their dedicated Muscat vineyards have been trained to deliver harvests of the most luscious fruit. Brown Brothers» |
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White Label is a McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest eminence, having been nominated for the George Mackey Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding Australian export. Crafted from fruit grown to some of the oldest vines at Pirramimma and McLaren Vale, it has twice claimed Gold in San Francisco and competed well against a formidable host of distinguished growths at the prestigious London International. Pirramimma» |
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The Daisy Hill district thrived throughout the 1850s, due to its location along the main route to and from gold fields. The Amherst property sits atop old alluvial tailings, ancient diggings can still be seen around the property dressed in rich quartz soils. Amherst» |
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Elderton Cabernet was winner of the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 1993, the following years it claimed back to back Gold and Trophy at the Barossa Wine Show. The 1994 vintage gave Elderton its first international Gold medal in London, an unbroken tradition of remarkable vintages have embossed the Elderton Estate name as a national champion, being chosen by Qantas for service in first class. Elderton» |
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Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's leading winemakers, Alan McCorkindale has over three decades experience at crafting some of the South Island's most memorable vintages. McCorkindale's efforts have claimed many trophy and gold at prestigious competitions including twice International White Wine of Year at the distinguished London International Wine Challenge. Munamuna» |
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Gold Medal Winner at the highly prestigious London International Wine Challenge! The taste is very sweet, smooth, pronounced and delicous, just like dried raisins or rich tawny grape juice. Serve at cool room temperature with fine desserts, pastries and cake, pour liberally over the best quality ice creams. Lustau» |
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The inaugural release of Hanging Rock Shiraz was vintage 1987 and what an event it was, immediately claiming gold and inspiring comparisons to Grange by the industry press. From from fruit grown to the estate Athols Paddock, a complex Heathcote style, more Syrah than Shiraz, boasting several trophies and over fifty gold to its distinguished history, big, powerful and rich, yet exhibiting an elegance and finesse that's rare in Australian wine. Hanging Rock» |
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Perfect balance in wine cannot be manufactured, it occurs naturally. Gemtree achieves this elusive idyll. Gemtree» |
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Villa Maria possess the magic touch with Pinot Gris, regularly clearing international wine events of prestigious trophies. Private Bin has been included in the Decanter Top 50 Best Under £10 and identified as a Decanter favourite. Villa Maria» |
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The historic goldfields at Beechworth are now delivering a different type of gold, in the form of suave white wines with panache and style. Pinot Gris has taken well to the cooler climes and mineral rich soils atop the steeply sloped aspects. Brokenwood» |
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It was the great Cabernet wines of Bordeaux which inspired Bill Taylor to diversify from imports and retail into the highly fraught pursuit of grape growing. An ardent enthusiast of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Taylor had a keen enough palate and nose to determine that the most auspicious lands for Cabernet Sauvignon were amongst the idyllic rolling pastorals of Valley Clare. Taylors» |
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About Spencer Hill - the Winery
Spencer Hill
The Spencer Hill Group produces premium wines under the Spencer Hill, Tasman Bay, Latitude 41, Mariner Vineyards and Kosher Goose Bay labels
Philip Jones and Sheryl Jones established the winery in 1990. Philip is a graduate of the University of California with degrees in Viticulture and Integrated Pest Management. He worked for eighteen years as a consultant to the Agricultural industry and during this period trained as a Winemaker at California State University. His experience as both a Winemaker and Viticulturalist contribute greatly to the winery direction and success. After investigating viticultural areas throughout New Zealand it was decided to establish vineyards and a winery in the Upper Moutere hills close to Nelson. The first wines were produced in 1994 under the Tasman Bay label and were quickly recognized as some of New Zealand best wines.
Over the years additional vineyards were planted and additional brands added. In 1996 Spencer Hill Estate wines were introduced, made from grapes grown at the estate vineyards. 2001 saw the introduction of Mariner Vineyard wines, which emphasized the clean, crisp fruit flavours of New Zealand grapes. Goose Bay wines were developed under supervision of the Royal Wine Corporation in 2005. Goose Bay wines are made for the Kosher market throughout the world, and Spencer Hill is the only New Zealand winery to make these types of wines. Latitude 41 is the newest label, introduced in 2007. Nelson and Marlborough are located on Latitude 41 and the wine is a blend emphasizing the best of both regions.
The Upper Moutere vineyards consist of seventy-five acres located on two blocks. They are planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier and Pinot Noir. The clay loam composition of the Upper Moutere soils provides the grapes with depth and concentration of flavours not found on lighter soils. These soils also retain moisture and allow the grape growing without supplemental irrigation. Although the soils are deep they are not extremely fertile. The oldest grapes in the Upper Moutere vineyards were planted in 1990. The vineyards are located behind the coastal hills about three kilometers from Tasman Bay. This unique situation of hills close to the sea provides a temperate climate with a long growing season. Winter is mild with early morning frosts but no snow.
The Coastal Ridge vineyards were established in 1994 with additional planting in 2001. They are located a few kilometers north of Nelson and consist of approximately 12 acres. These four blocks are planted to Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah and Pinot Noir. They are also located on heavy soils but differ from the Moutere in that the subsoil consists of broken rock. These soils also provide depth and concentration but result in slightly different flavours than the Moutere grapes. This vineyard is located on the hills facing Tasman Bay and can be subject to many changes in weather associated to large bodies of water.
Many persons are confused how grapes can be grown in the relatively cool climate of New Zealand. The secrete lies in it’s long growing season and high solar intensity. The cooler temperatures help retain the delicious fruit flavours and the long growing season and high sunlight ripen the fruit perfectly.
Consistency is one of the main objectives of all Spencer Hill wines. Although each vintage can be different, one thing is certain - style and quality. Spencer Hill's wines have received a stunning record of accolades resulting in international acclaim in a very short period of time. Only grapes from the best vineyards are selected to be included in the finished wines. Traditional techniques such as native yeast and small batch ferments with the red wines are employed. The white wines are made with the latest technology advances, to produce wines, which take their place among the best.
Attention to detail by winemakers Philip Jones, Matthew Rutherford and Victor Flores assures consistent style and quality from one vintage to the next. Their in-depth knowledge of the vineyards and winemaking philosophy of all Spencer Hill’s labels result in highly acclaimed wines. All aspects of winemaking from ferment through to bottling are conducted at the winery using the estate's own equipment. Total control of the winemaking process guarantees quality and consistency.
All of the labels are known for their exceptional value and thus are in demand worldwide. Only six varieties are produced, the varietals which the winemaking team feel they do best, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
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