2021 Millton Clos de Ste Anne Viognier
Grape
Viognier
Its Origins
The first biodynamic estate in New Zealand (and the first in the Southern Hemisphere to gain Demeter certification), James and Annie Millton have been growing wine in Manutuke on the banks of the Te Arai river in Gisborne since 1984. Farmed from inception in this manner, it was built on the backbone of family winegrowing in the area, with both James and Annie's parents having vines in what is now known as "Opou" and "Riverpoint". The Clos de Ste. Anne is a single vineyard situated on steep north-facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The grapes are all hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts present in the vineyard. The estate is mostly known for their Chenin Blanc - a benchmark for the country - but they also grow wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
What The Critics Say
Winemaker notes on current vintage
"This vintage has the saline structure of sake with aromas of caramel, baked pears, apple tart and warm leather, a hint of fennel, and aniseed. Think Umami. Clos de Ste. Anne is situated on the steep northeast facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The Viognier comes from a section of vineyard in the lie of the forest that we fondly call ‘Les Arbres’. Notes from the Vigneron: To enhance the ripe warming phenolic structure of this wine we ‘crunch’ the whole clusters of grapes and press them over an extended period. This allows the wine to sit in the far corner of your mouth and stimulate a sense of deliciousness to the palate. Warm wild fermentation in 600 litre demi-muid barrels, together with complete malolactic fermentation and ‘sur lie’ ageing gives the wine a sense of warmth."
95/100 Bob Campbell (2020 vintage)
"Rich, intense and quite complex viognier with stewed apricot, red apple, root ginger, honeysuckle and vanilla flavours supported by gentle acidity and fine, peppery phenolics. Should age well but can be appreciated now. "
95/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2020 vintage)
"Youthful, bright, varietal, fruity and delicately complex. Aromas of white apricot and mineral, baked apple and white stone fruit flesh. Aromas of flowers and fine spice layers add to the complexity and charm. Silky-cream textures touch the palate first followed by flavours of spice and white fleshed orchard fruits, fine tannins and medium+ acidity. A delicious wine with a fine complexity, layers of white clay mineral and flowers with a whisper of bacon oak. Long finish, and delicious, best drinking from 2022 through 2029."
| Variety | Viognier |
|---|---|
| Region | Gisborne |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2028 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
