Wine columnist DENNIS KNILL gives his views on Church Road’s new single vineyard vintages.
Hawke’s Bay is one of our much-loved coastlines renowned for its agriculture and fruit bowls — least of all grapes that drive a large part of our wine industry. With more than 80 wineries many with cellar doors and restaurants the region is as diverse as its hills and flat plains broken by rivers and multi-faceted terrain. Best known for its merlot, syrah, cabernet blends and chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay is our second-largest wine producing region.
Amongst all the glamour estates is Church Road, one of the oldest wineries in the country and made famous by Tom McDonald who blazed a trail with his Bordeaux style wines in the mid-’50s. Since joining Church Road in late ’90s Chris Scott, chief winemaker, has taken over the mantle producing fine wines and many awards across a range of varietals.
Here are three of Church Road’s newest wines making their mark on New Zealand’s growing wine scene:
’19 Church Road Single Vineyard Redstone Syrah
A promising debut that is seriously good. Layers of ripe fruit and a concentrated freshness on the palate combined with soft silky tannins make for enjoyable drinking. An age-worthy wine.
RRP $90
’20 Church Road Single Vineyard Gimblett Vineyard Malbec
Great texture and structure showcasing premium fruit with a mix of bold flavours and a clear head makes this wine really sing. Given more time to unwind it will be even more expressive.
RRP $90
’19 Church Road Single Vineyard Chardonnay
A standout new release styled to capture the regional essence of Hawke’s Bay. A well-integrated and appealing wine that is aromatic and seamlessly textured with a soft and fresh acidity on the palate.
RRP $70
Words—Dennis Knill
