News & Press

Cuisine Top 10 Rose - 20 Dec 15

Roses and Pinot Noir vines!

Success for our Pinot Noir Rosé in Cuisine, coming into the Top 10 and being awarded 4 stars.  One of the judges, John Belsham "enjoyed this wine's "touch of herbs de Provence" in among a bowl of subtle strawberry notes.  Crunchy acids underpin the fruit and supply freshness and vigour.  The finish is tight and dry.  Serve it with smoked salmon blinis".  Although not available at the cellar door, it is available in some wine shops and restaurants so keep an eye out for it - you can also check with our distributors where it could be available (there is a link to them on the home page).  

The roses alongside our Pinot Noir vines reflect this success looking absolutely stunning this year!!

First fruits from Defiance - 20 Dec 15

Harvesting the Pinot Gris from Defiance Vineyard

Raise your glass to a toast - to celebrate the release of the 2015 Pinot Gris, the first wine to come from Defiance Vineyard, our second vineyard which is on Felton Road in Bannockburn.   The fruits of our labours (the picture was taken during harvest) are now available for all to try and buy!!  Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, gave the wine 5 stars and has this to say "Beautifully expressive and fragrant, the inviting bouquet shows white nectarine, rock-melon, poached pear and floral characters.  The palate delivers excellent concentration and focus, beautifully enhanced by silky texture and rounded mouthfeel.  The wine is brilliantly structured by juicy acidity, making the wine immediately appealing and refreshing to the finish"  

Recognition in the UK - 9 Dec 15

The 12 wines of Christmas - Domain Road Pinot Noir 2011 has been selected as one of the 12 wines of Christmas by one of Britain's leading newspapers The Independent.  The paper states it is ideal with turkey, poultry and lighter game and goes on to say "Oak ageing gives a mellow complexity to this sumptuous Pinot, balancing the bright, lingering cherry and plum flavours.  Underlying acidity will also counter the fatty richness of goose or duck".  Sounds yummy to me!!  We may not have the 2011 still available at the Cellar Door but the 2012 will go just as well with your Christmas turkey, ham or lamb.

Recent releases - 6 Dec 15

Two new wines for you to try and buy.  In November we released our 2012 Pinot Noir and 2014 Sauvignon Blanc.  The Pinot Noir received a gold medal and regional trophy at the London International Wine Challenge and a Top 100 Blue Gold from the Sydney International Wine Competition.  It is drinking well with heaps of cellaring potential.  The Sauvignon Blanc has been described as offering 'mouth-watering flavours and lovely fruit purity.  Delicate, persistent and stylish' (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 4.5 stars).

Our door is open! - 6 Dec 15

Our door is open again!  The end of October saw our cellar door open once more for the summer.  It has been a busy start to the season with a number of tour groups and individuals visiting us - people come from many different countries but all share a passion for wine especially Pinot Noir.  On sunny days our wines can be tasted under the shade of a couple of walnut trees - looking our across the vines.  Our visitor numbers are increasing as people get to know us and our wines - we love meeting new people and welcoming back old friends so if you are in Central Otago this summer please call in and say 'Hi'.  (photo courtesy of Jim Ashe of Pinot Thyme wine tours).