2021 On Giants Shoulders Martinborough Chardonnay

Its Origins

"Standing on the shoulders of giants’ is a phrase meaning building on the previous major and significant works of others who have been recognised for their efforts. ‘On Giant’s Shoulders’ is the label for Braden and Gabrielle Crosby’s wine venture, Braden with viticultural and winemaking experience, formerly working with Paddy Borthwick in Gladstone for 11 harvests and extensive work overseas. During his time in Alsace, he learned much about the making of Pinot Gris. The Crosby’s purchased the former McCreanor family vineyard on Princess Street in Martinborough in August 2015, in time to prune the vines and make wine from the 2016 vintage. The vineyard is well-known for supplying the fruit for the Escarpment ‘Pahi’ single vineyard Pinot Noirs and for its contribution to the Martinborough Vineyard wines. The 4 ha vineyard is a mature one, established in 1988, with 3 ha of Pinot Noir, with around 9,000 close-planted vines, which has undergone some replanting. There is also 0.5 ha of Pinot Gris, of which around half was planted in 1988, and 0.5 ha of Chardonnay. The Crosbys have spent their ownership time working on the property and vines. They have produced on average around 1,000 cases from the 2016 and 2017 harvests with the three varieties." — Raymond Chan