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Ultimately, to be successful in your choices, the trick is in picking wines with an established brand name and a consistent track record for producing excellent value wines, from recognised
wine regions.
Step up Wither Hills, whilst not ignoring the label’s mainstream appeal, led by winemaker, Ben Glover, the company has, over the last several years, balanced its expansion with the launch of several single vineyard and limited release wines that show its serious side.
Nearly 20 years since first being established, and named after the Southern landmark range of Wither Hills that border the company’s vineyards, this month, M2 was treated to some of the finest wines Wither Hills has to offer, some so rare you need to visit the cellar door to find them.
A true champion of the Marlborough region, it is clear that these wines speak for themselves...
WITHER HILLS Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Lively on the nose, the 2011 Rarangi showcases the perfect weather Marlborough experienced for ripening signature Sauvignon Blanc flavours. Vibrant, yet refined flavours of lemongrass and lime are evident, while finishing refreshingly dry on the palate. A single vineyard wine with fantastic pedigree, this is drinking at its peak.
RRP: $25.00
WITHER HILLS Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2008
The coastal Rarangi vineyard site is translated in Maori as “the place where the sun sets.” Four years in, the bottle makes the wine musky and scented on the nose, whilst still retaining remarkably fresh gooseberry and citrus flavours on the palate. Layered minerality and fine acidity contribute to a long, juicy finish. Still at its peak, the 2008 is a rare find.
RRP: $25.00
WITHER HILLS Riesling 2010
Only available through Wither Hills’ cellar door, the special cellar release wines give Ben Glover’s winemaking team a chance to play and experiment with their favourite varietals. With only 2,250 bottles
made, this Riesling shows an interesting savoury nose, with mid-palate sweetness, underpinned by refreshing lemon and lime flavours. Worth the trip to Blenheim.
RRP: $25.00
WITHER HILLS Taylor River Pinot Noir 2008
Only 800 metres from its Ben Morven vineyard counterpart, the mixed soils of loam, silt, clays and river gravels in this vineyard produce an entirely different wine. A masculine wine, not usually associated with Marlborough Pinots, the Taylor River exhibits, dark, brooding, jammy flavours, integrated with soft oak. A big mouth feel but extremely wellbalanced, this wine will challenge the norm... Definitely worth recommending.
RRP $55.00
WITHER HILLS Ben Morven Pinot Noir 2008
When compared with its Taylor River counterpart, the Ben Morven Pinot Noir showcases winemaking elegance and finesse. However, don’t be fooled as this wine wields bold fruit-driven flavours of dark cherry, plum and sweet French oak. Combined with notes of cinnamon and spice, the total package has a silky texture that ends with a rich, drying finish. An example of this vineyard at its finest.
RRP: $55.00
witherhills.co.nz
DAVE CAMPBELL.
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