Millton Clos de Ste. Anne La Bas Chenin Blanc

Product Description

In 1984 James and Annie Millton established their winery on the banks of the Te Arai River near Manutuke where the early settlers first planted grapevines in 1871. This region is situated on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand in the winegrowing region of Gisborne. Originally Annie’s father, Mr John Clark, had developed vineyards on his estate at ‘Opou’ in Manutuke during the late 1960’s. James and Annie returned to Gisborne after experience gained in the famous wine regions of France and Germany including Champagne Bollinger, Maison Sichel in Bordeaux and Weingut Kurstner in Rheinhessen. By 1983 they had extensively researched and replanted major parts of the families’ grape growing business at the Opou Vineyard and Riverpoint Vineyard before, in 1984, establishing the winemaking and barrel aging facility in the present Te Arai Vineyard. This vineyard was then established and later, as children Monique and Sam were born further plantings were established on the river plateaus at either end of this vineyard. Clos Monique and Clos Samuel. Grown, not made. The Millton Vineyard specialises in growing fine wine from estate grown grapes sourced from their own single vineyards. For over 28 years these grapes have been grown in the traditional manner using biodynamic techniques. This involves growing the grapes without the use of herbicides, insecticides, systemic fungicides or soluble fertilisers. It therefore incorporates the use of special herbal, mineral and animal preparations and teas and includes a deep understanding of the complex cosmic rhythms which affect these daily activities. The resulting wines are certified to an international standard to assure that they are true to type and their original nature. They carry the certified organic trademark BioGro and grower ID number, which appears on the back label. In 2009 our vineyards and animals were Demeter. Both these organisations have exacting standards which are audited to international level and meet the stringent requirements needed to participate in these specialised markets. All wines are produced and bottled on the property – Before a wine can be great it must first be true.

Bright, light golden-yellow colour, a little lighter on edge. The bouquet is full and rich with good density of white and yellow stonefruit aromas entwined with complexing flinty lees and subtle minerally reductive nuances. Pineapple and tropical fruit detail emerge. Dry to taste and medium-full bodied, the flavours of white and yellow stonefruits, white florals and nuts is initially shy, but unveils tropical fruits, pineapple, flint and mineral elements. The palate has good underlying alcoholic power and body, balanced by a fine phenolic line and crisp acid bite and cut. The palate leads to a dry, taut and firm finish with fine textures and good length. This is a taut and firm, dry Chenin Blanc with good body, stonefruit, tropical fruit and flinty flavours and fresh acidity.