THE VINEYARDS
Our Brightwater Vineyard is situated 15 kilometres from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond Ranges. The ‘soil’ is a combination of rocks and boulders which is very hard on the farm equipment, but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening the grapes.
 
Our Rabbit Island Vineyards are situated on a wide river Flat. The soil is gravelly sandy loam which is very sandy and free draining. These vineyards are about 1.5 kilometres from the sea which helps moderate temperatures.
 
Our Queen Victoria Vineyard is located in the Motueka area in the heart of a region known for its apple orchards, kiwifruit and hops. Our grapes are grown on very stoney free draining soils giving lovely fruit clarity and varietal intensity.
 
The unirrigated Redwood Valley vineyard is situated on a gently sloping, north facing clay site - the vines range in age from 10 to 30 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.
 
WINEMAKERS NOTE
In the vineyard, leaves were removed from around the fruiting zone to allow light penetration and air movement around the ripening bunches. Parcels of fruit were picked when flavours, sugars and grape acids were nicely in balance, giving fruit with intensely varietal flavours and a fresh, lasting acidity.
 
2021 was a cooler year than usual in Nelson resulting in delicate aromatics and bright acidity. We enjoyed a lovely settled warm run of the weather as fruit was ripening and and during the vital harvest period in March.
 
TASTING NOTE
The 2021 Old Coach Road Nelson Sauvignon Blanc is intensely varietal and alive on the nose with hints of melon, lime and hops. The palate is bright and flavoursome with layers of tropical passionfruit and ripe grapefruit. The finish is long and luscious.