The Opou vineyard, originally planted in 1969, has rich Waihirere silt loam soils that nurture the roots of the Chardonnay and Riesling planted within. A hedge of Navel oranges runs through the centre of the vineyard, ‘sharing of astrality’ it is said, and perhaps allows the Riesling to evoke aromas of citrus blossom and higher ethers.

Notes from the Winemaker:

Semi dry in taste there is a unique calcified character, which is sometimes seen in classic Rieslings from the old world. This helps to harmonise the acid, phenolics and fruit sweetness. Vine age going back to 1981 helps build the honeyed spice texture in the mouth and now with very recent plantings of newly imported selections this adds lifted citrus fruits aromas and textures.

Here now, you have a wine that reveals its own true character which has been uninterrupted by science, grown as freely as possible and made by someone who, at an early age, was introduced to classic Riesling. This is a wine that commands respect for the term “a sense of place” – Terroir.

Harvested form very low yielding mixed aged vines, clones 94, 49 and 198-19, pruned in classic “halb-bogen style to give maximum air and light. Harvested by hand, either whole bunch pressed or skin contacted depending on vine age and seed ripeness. No additions and fermented under pressure at 12 degree C. Left sur lie for 6 months. The colour of a tear drop, a mouth-watering tingle of limes and the smile of a passing angel with succulent fruit, acid and phenolic balance. Full of luminosity this wine will, in time, develop more complexity with honeycomb and classic “ferner” characters. Un-fined. Serve cool.

Ageing potential from date of release: 15 years.

• BioGro Certified Organic
• Demeter Certified Biodynamic
• Grown and bottled on the property
• Dry farmed and carbon negative

18.5 Raymond Chan

"This has a very elegant and soft nose with finely presented limes, white and yellow florals and subtly integrated toasty nuances. This has delicacy and beauty with its softness. Medium-sweet to taste, lush flavours of citrus and tropical fruits are intermixed with honey and toasty elements. The mouthfeel is soft-textured and underlined by ripe, soft acidity. A fine, smooth core and phenolic thread guides the wine to a refined, delicate and honey-nuanced finish. This is a beautifully soft, gently luscious, delicately honied wine with 4-5+ years ahead."

4.5 Stars Michael Cooper

"Typically scented, with rich, lemony, often honeyed flavours, this is the country's northernmost fine-quality Riesling. Harvested from Gisborne vines of varying ages – the oldest planted in 1981 – it is gently sweet, in a less racy style than South Island wines. The grapes, grown in the Opou Vineyard at Manutuke, are hand-picked over a month at three stages of ripening, usually culminating in a final pick of botrytis-affected fruit. The 2013 vintage (4.5*) is scented and vibrantly fruity, with low alcohol (9.5 per cent), gentle sweetness (40 grams/litre of residual sugar) and fresh, delicate, ripe citrus-fruit, pear and peach flavours, showing lovely poise and length. Well worth cellaring. Certified organic."