the hidden gem of te Muna
In 1996 Colin Carruthers, a Wellington QC who purchased a bare land from a well-known local farmer, together with Colin’s second son James who was passionately wanting to plant Pinot Noir and make great wine. However, shortly before the first nursery vines were planted, James took his own life. For nearly two years the project was abandoned, until John Porter of Porter’s Wine and internationally renowned winemaker Larry McKenna, encouraged and renewed Colin’s interest and eventually, all 11.5-hectare vineyard was planted fully in 2000.
Vineyard locates on the right as you arrive on the terrain of Te Muna, overlooking the Hinakura range to the left. The plot is mostly planted with Pinot Noir for Colin and his beloved son James’ motive but also their love for Burgundy wines. The remaining area was planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Syrah. The soil here is old with a stony-clay composition, ideal for Pinot Noir and Syrah with its cooler climate influenced by the coastal wind from Palliser Bay.
All the wines are made by the maestro Simon Groves, with 30 years of winemaking career travelling between Italy, Australia and New Zealand with extensive experience from Delegates, Montana, Farnese Vini, Church Road and Palliser Estate. His only focus now is Te Muna Valley and mastering all these varieties is second to none.
the James range
The stellar range of Te Muna Valley, wines were only made in the grandest year when everything is in perfect condition. The best fruit was harvested from top-performing raws, wines were chosen from the finest batch and masterfully blend under this label. A limited number of bottles were stored away for maturation until its ready to release to the market to be appreciated by the wine enthusiasts.
James Pinot Gris: This Pinot Gris comes in special “Trois” methods; everything that is involved to make this masterpiece was undertaken through three processes. Winemaker Simon simulates the traditions of Grand Cru, Alsace. Right from the harvest, fermentation, barrel ageing to final blending, which contributes to the style of wine with extra texture, weight, flavours and complexity. The wine delivers the refreshing white peach acidity as the backbone from the result of early harvest, alluring flavours of buttery golden plum and brioche were the effect of wild yeast fermentation with occasionally lees stirring and the sensational honeysuckle and botrytis notes were the effects of late harvest. The palate arrives with abundant fruit flavours of ripe apricot & green pear, and the luscious creamy mouthfeel makes this wine a versatile companion to a range of dishes from Prawn Tempura to Creamy Risotto.
James Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is Te Muna Valley! Close to 70% of the site is planted with this variety, right from day one the owner Colin and his son James planted with the clone Pommard which is profoundly high in tannin and dark fruits with spicy savoury character, later years few several Dijon clones were planted to adjoin more aromatic, brighter fruit and elegant body to the wine. Together with winemaker Simon, the goal is to make the greater Pinot Noir year after year. It is a wine to cellar for over a minimum of eight years, only to bring out the prime maturation from bottle development. Vintage 2013 is now shining in its spotlight, whilst 2014 and 2015 are ready to come out of the winery and release to the world. You would find this wine is beautifully perfumed with exotic spices and dried herbs, displayed with charming red cherries and preserved plums with its silky tannin. Well-balanced power and elegance underlined sturdy structure and long finish.
