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| Vintaged from a single block of magnificent old vines on the cooler climes of Eden Valley high. Heirloom are all about identifying and rejuvenating superior parcels, a patient and painstaking approach to the resurrection of venerable elder plantings, for the realization of profoundly structured, powerful yet elegant wines. Heirloom» |
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| The uncompromising pursuit of excellence brings the Yealands team to the extreme viticultural climes of Gibbston Valley in Central Otago. It is here under the frigid cloudless night skies that Pinot Noir vines, planted to undulating granite schist soils, struggle to yield harvests of parched grapes, redolent with cherry berry perfumes, bursting with an intensity of flavour and wrapped in a muslin of seamless, velvet tannins. Yealands Estate» |
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| Samuel Dunn was an early Amherst resident, one of the first settlers to plant grapes in the Pyreness. His land was exploited for sheep grazing, until diggers found the locality alive with gold. Amherst» |
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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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| Of particular importance to Shadowfax are the very close relationships with a select group of growers who provide harvests of the most intensely flavoured fruit. A prolific trophy winner, Shadowfax are a refreshing new wave, vigorously fruit driven, livelier than her Victorian siblings, characterised by slatey, flavoursome acidity, a touch of lees complexity and judicious dryness. Shadowfax» |
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| David O'Leary really knows about things Cabernet Sauvignon, having claimed a Jimmy Watson Trophy and twice International Red Wine Maker of the Year. From low yielding vines up to fifty years of age, grown to superior sites within the Armagh Valley and Polish Hill River districts, the O'Leary Walker team create a powerful and complex, exquisitely perfumed and seamlessly layered Cabernet Sauvignon, framed by judicious oak and supported by graceful tannins, reflecting the idyllic growing climes of Valley Clare. OLeary Walker» |
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| An exciting innovation in a Methode traditionnelle, enriched by strawberry. A component of Pinot Noir is treated to extended time on skins for perfect uptake of charming rose colour, to be blended back with Chardonnay after primary ferments. Lindauer» |
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| Howard Park is internationally feted as one of the new world's great Riesling wines, achieving superstar status after claiming highly coveted gold medal at the prestigious London International. Riesling was Howard Park's first vintage, it remains the Australian west's most enduring white after over three decades of superlative editions. Howard Park» |
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| The wines of Wignall were met with resounding success from the first release, inaugural vintages saw amazing results, attracting conspicuous gold medal and trophy victories. Fruit driven and voluptuous to drink, Wignall have refined the style of their Albany Pinot Noir to be bliss for the most discerning palates. Wignalls» |
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| Zilzie know from good Shiraz, they have grown the finest fruit for decades and now retain access to the most splendid vineyards. The quality of their winemaking has claimed thirty trophies since they embarked on their own label. Zilzie» |
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| Excellent Langtons Classification. The legend continues for the stately Katnook of Coonawarra. Katnook» |
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| Earnscleugh Valley was the site of a gold rush in the 1860s, the industrious miners dug a watercourse through the valley which today serves to nourish the world's southernmost appellation of Pinot Noir. The Last Chance is a small scenic terrace, planted to a special Burgundy clone of Pinot Noir which yields a magnificently structured, generously proportioned wine. Two Paddocks» |
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Giesen
About Giesen - the Winery
Giesen
When the Giesen brothers, Theo, Alex and Marcel, planted their first grape vines on bare land at Burnham, near Christchurch, there were those who questioned the practicality of their venture
After all, theirs was the southern-most vineyard in the world at that time and Canterbury was not then known as a wine-producing region. This was 1981 and the Giesens were, quite literally, breaking new ground for the fledgling New Zealand wine industry. Ignoring the scornful words of those who doubted Burnham's suitability for wine production, the brothers tended their plantings of Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer and were rewarded in 1984 with their first vintage.
The Giesens further emphasised their foresight by supplementing the vintage with Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Marlborough, a region which would become one of the finest producers in the world. The path they would travel would not always be smooth but their perseverance and the belief in what they were doing was to reward the brothers handsomely. In 1988, Giesen Wines gained its first export order, sending Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Margaret Harvey in the United Kingdom.
As it became increasingly obvious that Marlborough would evolve into one of the premium grape-growing regions of New Zealand, the Giesens widened their vineyard interests, purchasing the original Dillon's Point property in 1993. A year later, they had broken into the highly competitive Australian market, appointing Negociants Australia as their exclusive distributors. As the reputation of their wines spread, greater overseas interest in their label flourished, and in 1997, Giesen Wines were represented in the United States for the first time. Two years on, Giesen was in expansion mode, purchasing four separate vineyard blocks in Marlborough and building a new winery in Vernon St, Blenheim.
In 1999, sales of Giesen Wines in Australia topped 3000 cases per annum. A year later, total case sales had soared to 23,000, and increasing volumes were heading to the United States, encouraging Giesen Wines to appoint Dreyfus Ashby and Co as its exclusive distributor there. Success bred even more success when in 2001, Giesens' Marlborough operation was broadened with the development of a 300-acre vineyard at Dillon's Point, Blenheim, sales had doubled to more than 50,000 cases.
As its property portfolio expanded, so too did production, until in 2004, sales exceeded 100,000 cases per annum for the first time. With the growing demand for its wines, particularly in the Australian market, the company moved to larger premises and invested in a bottling and packaging facility at Christchurch, whilst expanding its winery and tank capacity in Blenheim.
Low yielding vines grown to a cool climate is what makes Giesen's wines so unique. Complex fruit aromas make them enjoyable whilst young, refreshing acidity gives the wines backbone for long aging in the bottle. Giesen produces a range of estate wines which aim for consistency of character and quality from vintage to vintage. This range includes a luscious, intensely flavoured Riesling, a vibrant, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, a complex yet elegant Chardonnay and a succulent, fruit driven Pinot Noir. Most vintages produce parcels of fruit or batches of wine of superior quality. These are bottled under a Reserve or Single Vineyard selection label. This range also includes a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The style may vary from one vintage to the next as determined by the season, however they will all display individuality and quality.
Twenty-six years have passed since the first Giesen vines were planted in the stony ground of Burnham and the doubters have long ago had to swallow their words. Theo, Alex and Marcel have etched their names in the legend of New Zealand winemaking. Ignoring all detractors, they have been steadfast pioneers of a now booming industry in which they continue to be leaders and innovators.
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