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Clonakilla are one of our nation's most eminent vineyard wineries, a tiny production operation, established by a CSIRO scientist at Murrumbateman, very near Canberra. It turned out to be a fortuitous planting, with a climate not dissimilar to Bordeaux and northern Rhone, the Clonakilla property now occupies a rank next to the mighty Grange on the prestigious Exceptional Langtons Classification, it yields vintages of Australia's most invaluable Shiraz. At $26.99, the estate's entry level belies its stature and excellence within the pantheon of great Australian wine, an essential experience this week for all enthusiasts, a canny choice for shrewd and judicious aspirants of elite new world Shiraz... Here's what our most picky pundits prefer»
Josef Chromy OAM escaped from war torn Czechoslovakia as a penniless 19 year old in 1950, he fled across minefields, evading soldiers and killer dogs, ultimately finding a new home in the lucky country. Chromy has been a long standing principal in the Tasmanian food and wine industry, he established Tasmania's leading brands, including Bay of Fires, Jansz, Heemskerk and Tamar Ridge. At 76 years young, he launched his namesake label, planting one of the apple isle's most stately vineyards and gazetting Tasmania's most compellingly stylish range of wines. Chromy's sensational vintages are as conspicuous for the uniqueness of their character as they are for their sublime and articulate charm. They divide the industry press and excite all adherents of engaging, eloquent & decidedly.. Tasty treats from the apple isle»

Vavasour Pinot Noir CONFIRM VINTAGE

Pinot Noir Marlborough/Awatare New Zealand
Vavasour were the first to plant vines in Awatere Valley, an area with climes rather different to the rest of Marlborough, yielding a quality of Pinot Noir which offers unique charm. There is only one goal for the team at Vavasour, get the best fruit and make the finest wine for those who appreciate all things Marlborough. Careful land management is essential, leaf plucking and shoot thinning, closely manicured canopies and controlled yields, all ensure the finest harvest of Pinot Noir, exhibiting great concentration of fruit and vibrant varietal character.
Available in cartons of six
Case of 6
$179.50
After two decades of pioneering viticulture in the Awatere and Marlborough regions, Vavasour have established a highly experienced team of growers and winemakers. Sustainable land management is the priority, the team dedicate much time in mainatining the environment. Each year the best parcels are earmarked for special attention. When the finished wines are outstanding, they form the small quantities under the Vavasour label. Harvested throughout the cool of night to retain flavour and freshness, careful winemaking and choice yeasts are employed so that the vibrant fruit flavours from the vineyard are preserved.
Vavasour
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Vavasour
Vavasour Wines are the pioneers of the Awatere Valley

Vavasour were the first to plant in what is now regarded as one of the premium grape growing regions of Marlborough, New Zealand. The soils here are free draining and the climate dry, warm and frost free. The area has a climate different to the rest of Marlborough so can produce wines with a unique and distinct flavour.

Vavasour

Each year outstanding parcels of grapes are earmarked for special attention. When the resulting wine is regarded as outstanding, it forms the small quantity of wine under the Vavasour banner. While the fruit is the driving force in Vavasour wines, there is more focus on the structure, subtleties and complexity. The Vavasour range is designed to improve with age.

The Vavasour family have a strong historical background. They can trace their ancestry back to the time of the Norman invasion of England. One of their ancestors is thought to have been a 'taster' for William the Conqueror. The rooster on the label is from the family crest, the emblem on the rooster is an indication of the family's lineage.The Vavasours arrived in New Zealand and established themselves in the Awatere Valley in 1890.

After some research it was found that the climate and soils of the Awatere region were quite similar to those of the Wairau. In fact, the soil in the Awatere Valley is less fertile (this is a good thing) than the Wairau. Low fertility naturally restricts vigour in the vine. The Awatere Valley is also drier, and with no underground water the vines are bound to struggle.

Vavasour

Although the conditions in the Wairau are similar, there are enough differences between the two valleys for to make unique and individual wines. In 1985, after the site was carefully assessed, the Vavasour family and friends decided to make a serious investment in viticulture - Vavasour Wines was established. The first vineyards (30 acres) planted in the region were on the Vavasour 'home' block. This vineyard was made up of two terraces. The top terrace was planted in Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, while the lower terrace was planted in red varietals - Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet.

The first vintage was 1989. Within three years Vavasour had won numerous gold medals in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Glenn Thomas, winemaker, won Winemaker of the Year in 1992. Those first years officially put the Awatere Valley on the map of great wine making regions.

Vavasour are dedicated to the Awatere region and the philosophy is to concentrate on fruit grown in the area. Selected grapes are handpicked; this ensures that only the best fruit makes it into the bottle. The Vavasour vineyards are trained on the vertical shoot positioning trellis. In all its viticultural techniques Vavasour have focussed on quality over quantity.

The intrinsic value characters of the Awatere valley are perfect for the production of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. The emphasis remains on Sauvignon Blanc, however other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling will receive the golden 'Vavasour' touch..

Vavasour